ABOUT MBIFL

Started in 2018, the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL) is a celebration of letters and ideas. After five wonderful editions, we are gearing up for our sixth edition from Feb 6-9, 2025.

Formed as the voice of India's freedom struggle in 1923, Mathrubhumi has championed several pioneering reforms in Kerala. From the beginning to this age of disruption, Mathrubhumi has been evolving by embracing change without sacrificing the values imparted by the founders. A century later, Mathrubhumi still touches the lives of people as a trustworthy and credible integrated media house

MBIFL hosts a wide array of discussions, conversations, and debates. It provides an ideal platform for exploring and discovering ideas and perspectives. Our speakers include leading writers and thinkers from around the world, bringing with them different realities, challenges, solutions and perspectives. This can lead to greater understanding and empathy for the other, breaking down barriers and promoting social cohesion. Some notable speakers include Nobel Prize laureate Abdul Razak Gurnah, Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka, Man Booker International Prize winner Jokha Alharthi, Academy Award-nominated writer and lyricist Sjon, Colum McCann, Editor and Publisher Alexandra Pringle and Jnanpith Winner Amitav Ghosh among other prominent voices.

The fifth edition's speakers include Egyptian writer and journalist Mansoura Ez-Eldin, Emmy-winning journalist Ruchira Gupta, Kenyan multi-disciplinary writer Aleya Kassam, Nairobi-based writer, editor and journalist Carey Baraka, acclaimed poet and scholar Gabeba Baderoon, renowned novelist and historian Mary Chamberlain, Somali Italian poet, novelist, and playwright Ubah Cristina Ali Farah and many prominent Indian writers.