Writivism at five and the Future of African Literature

The Department of African Studies and Anthropology joins forces with the Ugandan literary collective Writivism for the Birmingham launch of Writivism's brilliant new documentary film, ‘The Real Writers Documentary’, which explores the ways in which social media has disrupted the traditional ways of publishing and circulating African literature.

The documentary features five major names in Ugandan literature:

• Nyana Kakoma (founder, Sooo Many Stories)
• Ernest Bazanye (writer)
• Stella Nyanzi (academic)
• Jennifer Makumbi (novelist)
• Acan Innocent Immaculate (short story writer)

As well as the documentary screening, we'll enjoy a reading from the Writivism's five-year anniversary anthology of emerging Ugandan writers; a panel discussion on social media and contemporary African writing, with a line-up of speakers from the Writivism network; and a reading and Q&A by Jennifer Makumbi, whose feted novel Kintu has just launched in the UK.

Join us to celebrate Writivism's first five years and African literature's futures, and hear from emerging and established names in African literature.

This event is free and open to all. Free drinks and nibbles will be served during the event.

18:00 - 18:30 Welcome and introduction to Writivism 
18:30 - 19:00 Screening of 'The Real Writers Documentary' by Writivism 
19:00 - 19:10 Writivism at 5 Anthology reading
19:10 - 20:00 Panel on social media and the future of African literature 
20:00 - 20:30 Reading and Q&A with Jennifer Makumbi, author of Kintu
20:30 - 21:00 Discussion, book signing and chance for informal conversation with Writivism and Jennifer Makumbi

For your free ticket, please register here: https://writivismat5.eventbrite.co.uk

This event is funded by the University of Birmingham, as part of its commitment to enabling public engagement with African literature in Birmingham.