Words give wings to feelings and imagination — a thought that most writers and readers will agree with. Language is no barrier when it comes to expressing this thought and that’s what the first edition of Language Festival 2018 is about. Abbreviated as LF18, the two-day event organised by YourQuote, is a first-of-its-kind festival that showcases different languages through poetry, music, comedy, film and panel discussions.
Eight languages — English, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada — have been included in this first edition. Almost all the featured poets, artistes and performers are either first-timers or haven’t really been in the spotlight.
Festival director, Jhelum Anikhindi, who is also a poet and author of Element of Words — an anthology, says, “The selection process has been transparent and democratic. The people who have been selected for the festival are aspiring writers, poets and artistes who have been active on YourQuote, a smartphone application, and even at the community meet-ups across cities, that YourQuote has tied up with. We have chosen them purely on the basis of their talent.”
Back story
Since its inception in August 2016, YourQuote has helped many individuals write, record and share their thoughts online through the app. In addition, for LF18, it had organised an event titled Launchpad in Bengaluru where every weekend, new talent would showcase their work. Some of these artistes have also been shortlisted for the festival. “We had a selection team at these events that recorded the performances, and would come back and watch the recordings again to select participants. All of this is original content,” explains Sudeep Pagedar, head of communications at YourQuote.
What’s in store?
Apart from featured artistes, there will also be an open mic where anyone who wishes to perform will be given a chance. “We start on Saturday with poetry readings, panel discussions and stand-up comedy. Rahul Subramanian will headline the stand-up comedy session. On Sunday, we open with LF Reels, where a series of short films like Silk Board and The School Bag will be screened,” shares Jhelum. The film screenings will be followed by a panel discussion with Bollywood actor, poet and singer Piyush Mishra.
Piyush will close the festival with a performance along with his indie folk band Ballimaaraan. “Piyush is a writer, singer, philosopher and has interesting thoughts to share so we were happy to get him as one of our main guests,” adds Jhelum. While this is the first edition, the team behind LF18 says they will be taking this festival to other major cities in India too.
Rs 499 upwards. June 9 and 10. At Indiranagar Club
ayeshatabassum@
@aishatax