Nineteen years ago, Inizjamed, a passionate and culturally driven NGO, embarked on a journey that would forever change the literary landscape of Malta. At the helm of this initiative was Maltese literature Professor and Writer Adrian Grima, whose vision was clear: Malta needed a festival that celebrated literature in all its forms, uniting it with other art forms in a space where words could truly shine.

This dream materialised into the Malta Mediterranean Literature Festival, a unique gathering and the only one of its kind on the island that, since its inception in 2005, has become an indispensable part of Malta’s cultural calendar. This festival was able to take further shape with the help of Writer and Academic Maria Grech Ganado, and her contacts with Literature Across Frontiers, a European platform for literary exchange and translation.

This year's edition of the Malta Mediterranean Literature Festival will feature seven authors from five different countries: Malika Booker – a British poet of Guyanese and Grenadian parentage, Irene Chias – an Italian novelist residing in Malta, David Aloisio from Malta, Mario Cardona, also from Malta, Raymond Antrobus from the United Kingdom, Josep Pedrals from Spain, and Maja Ručević from Croatia. The festival, organised by Inizjamed, is being held between Wednesday 28th and Saturday 31st August 2024. All events are going to be held at the Valletta Design Cluster and the MCAST Campus in Paola.   

The festival was created to fill a void in Malta—a space where literature and art could converge, and where political discourse could be freely explored. The word "Mediterranean" is not just a geographical indicator but a philosophy; it represents the meeting of diverse voices on this small island, a crossroads of cultures, languages, and ideas.

Held every summer, the festival is more than just a series of readings—it’s a communal experience. Writers from around the world come to Malta, not only to present their work but to engage in a week-long residency where they translate each other's work, fostering a deep sense of camaraderie.

“To date, it is still the only literary festival on the island that brings together both poetry and prose”, says Ms Ellul. She adds that it attracts authors of high calibre, emerging voices, and artists from various disciplines, ensuring a vibrant mix that keeps audiences coming back year after year.

WhosWho.mt reached out to author and one of the organisers, Leanne Ellul, for comments regarding the festival and the publishing industry.

The challenges

Ms Ellul remarked that organising such an event comes with its fair share of challenges, particularly for an NGO like Inizjamed. The road is long, and the work is relentless: "A festival," she says, "is a year’s worth of work." Ms Ellul acknowledges that Inizjamed is fortunate to have a strong, supportive team that works tirelessly, alongside a growing network of dedicated volunteers and loyal audiences. Yet, the financial aspect remains a significant hurdle.

Literary festivals, unlike their music or food counterparts, do not draw massive crowds or generate substantial revenue, acknowledges Ms Ellul. “I think financial challenges are a huge burden; year in, year out we must seek alternate modes of funding to make ends meets because no literary festival can support itself just by ticket sales and commission from sales. Public funding is of great help but isn’t endless. As much as we hope for this festival to gather a lot of attention and attendance, we still have to remember that it is a niche event. So, we strive hard to deepen the connection with our regulars too”, she went on to say. For Inizjamed, the festival is more than an event; it’s a family, and this sense of belonging is what keeps it alive and growing.

Opportunities for aspiring authors

In the past, says Ms Ellul, opportunities for aspiring authors in Malta were scarce. But today, the landscape has changed significantly. “NGOs like Inizjamed and HELA Foundation offer many opportunities for aspiring authors as well as established authors. Entities like Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, Arts Council Malta, the National Literacy Agency, and the National Book Council often organise events for up-and-coming authors.

“Nowadays, different organisations invite renowned authors to Malta, whom we have a lot to learn from. Way back, one had to travel to listen to great authors and meet them. So yes, there are opportunities, resources, and support systems. Nevertheless, the more, the merrier: different opportunities will be able to target different needs and different genres” elaborated Ms Ellul.

The future of Maltese publishing

The author said that the future of the Maltese publishing industry is uncertain: “on the one hand, numerous people aim to publish a book of some sort, while on the other hand, people are not reading a lot (or buying books in the first place)”. Ms Ellul went on to say that the printed book faces stiff competition from digital media and other art forms. Rising costs, particularly for materials like paper, pose additional challenges. The industry needs more investment and support, particularly for full-time writers.

“There should be a better understanding of the public and private realms in the publishing field and ongoing research to promote sustainability and growth. Yes, I am afraid books will face more challenges though the love for stories, I believe, will never die out. This is why we should not take gaps, such as the lack of bookshops in our country, lightly”, acknowledged Ms Ellul.

Advice for aspiring authors

For those trying to break into the Maltese publishing industry, Ms Ellul’s advice is clear: stay curious, stay open, and stay engaged. She believes that aspiring authors should immerse themselves in both local and international literary scenes, constantly learning and evolving. They should also write, rewrite, and seek constructive criticism, understanding that growth as a writer comes from continuous learning and refinement.

Starting small, publishing in journals, blogging, and participating in literary courses are all valuable steps. Aspiring writers are encouraged to be patient and persistent, working their way up gradually.

The role of local literary events in promoting Maltese literature

Literary events like book fairs and the Malta Mediterranean Literature Festival play a vital role in promoting Maltese literature. They offer readers a "taste" of various writings, and Ms Ellul compares these kinds of festivals to wine tasting events: “you get to sample different writings and then choose to delve further into those you like best.”

These events bring Maltese authors onto a global stage, where they share platforms with internationally acclaimed writers, some of whom have gone on to win prestigious awards like the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize. The exposure Maltese authors gain through such festivals is invaluable, leading to translations of their work and new publishing opportunities. Recently Inizjamed became part of Versopolis, a European poetry platform that opens new doors for emerging poets. This kind of international collaboration is essential for the growth of Maltese literature, allowing for the exchange of ideas and fostering new projects, concluded by saying Ms Ellul.