Malaysia’s leading celebration of stories returns for its 15th edition! This year’s George Town Literary Festival explores Urban Myths and Memories through panels, readings, performances, and workshops featuring 37 writers and artists from 13 countries.

George Town Literary Festival 2025 

Malaysia’s leading celebration of stories returns for its 15th edition! This year’s George Town Literary Festival explores Urban Myths and Memories through panels, readings, performances, and workshops featuring 37 writers and artists from 13 countries.

Join us in Penang’s heritage heart for three days of conversation, creativity, and discovery. Admission is free with a Festival Pass, except for workshops and select events.

Explore the full programme breakdown on the official George Town Literary Festival website.

Programme at a glance:

30 November

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Artist Talk: Hou Chi-jan – Stories Between the Shelves

Location

Wawasan Hall

Taiwanese filmmaker Hou Chi-jan has documented more than 120 bookstores in Taiwan over the course of a decade. Hou is celebrated for his intimate portrayals of memory, culture, and everyday life. Following the screening of his latest documentary “Poetries from the Bookstore: Season 3” on November 28 evening, he reflects on his recent works with a special focus on independent bookstores as cultural lifelines. Blending film, literature, and community, Hou explores various narratives of bookstores, through which one can see Taiwan’s current geopolitical particularities and cultural scene.

Speakers(s): Hou Chi-jan
Moderator/Host: Pan Yi Chieh