Literature in Dialogue: The 1st Athens International Literature Festival

Identities, gender-based violence, the relationship between politics and writing, the future of reading: the AILF comes to Technopolis on March 27–29 and unfolds a multi-level program of discussions, featuring leading international and Greek authors, journalists, critics, and creators.

• Dates: March 27–29, 2026

• Location: Technopolis City of Athens

• Admission: Free (with entry vouchers)

With a rich program of discussions focused on the significant issues of our time, the 1st Athens International Literature Festival (AILF) presents the core of its inaugural event. For three days, Athens becomes a meeting point for prominent writers, activists, academics, and restless readers in an open space of dialogue and inspiration.

The festival’s discussions focus on literature as a field of creation, artistic exploration, reflection, and social intervention. Athens Mayor, Harris Doukas, stated: "The Athens International Literature Festival brings different voices and experiences to the same table... We want literature to come off the shelves and meet society."

The program highlights the body of work of significant international guests:

• László Krasznahorkai (2025 Nobel Laureate): Discusses violence, decay, and the awakening power of writing with New Yorker critic Merve Emre.

• David Szalay (2025 Booker Prize Winner): Converses with Sophia Nikolaidou on writing and gender, drawing from his novel Flesh.

• Paul Lynch (Booker Prize Winner): Discusses the "Irish Boom" and the challenges of the AI era with Nikos Mantis.

• Kevin Barry: Meets Christos Asteriou to discuss unconventional heroes and his novels Night Boat to Tangierand The Heart in Winter.

• Nicole Krauss: Analyzes identity and narrative mechanisms with Lefteris Kalospyros.

• Matteo Nucci: Joins archaeology professor Dimitris Plantzos to discuss the modern uses of "the classic."

• Katharina Volckmer: Discusses writing as a space of risk with Danae Sioziou.

• Selva Almada: Talks with Tina Mandilara about gender violence and how local experiences become global literature.

• Lilian Thuram: The former footballer and activist discusses racial stereotypes with Demis Nikolaidis and Loretta Macaulay.

In the session "It’s Not Murder, It’s Femicide," Selva Almada, Katharina Volckmer, and Vicky Tselepides examine how gender-based violence is silenced through language. Additionally, Nicole Krauss and David Szalay explore the construction of "masculine" and "feminine" voices in modern fiction.

The panel "Okay with the Past, but What About the Present and Future?" features Merve Emre, Thomas Meaney (Granta), and Athos Dimoulas (K Magazine) discussing the role of literature in an age of digital distraction.

A special tribute to Menis Koumantareas (1931-2014) will explore Athens not just as a setting, but as a living organism that shapes and traps his characters.

18:00 A Sweeping Wind, Selva Almada, Tina Mandilara
19:45 The Longing, Anxiety, and Melancholy of Resistance, László Krasznahorkai, Merve Emre

Saturday, March 28, 2026

12:00 Reading Clubs: Pillars of Book-loving, Mod: Mikela Hartoulari
13:00 The Uses of the "Classic" Today, Matteo Nucci, Dimitris Plantzos
14:30 "Time is a Toy. And Athens is Everywhere" (Koumantareas), T. Grigoriadis, E. Hourmouziadou, C. Chrysopoulos, M. Fakinou
15:00 An Andalusian Dog in Montana, Kevin Barry, Christos Asteriou
16:30 What Will Happen to the Future of Literature?, Merve Emre, Thomas Meaney, Athos Dimoulas
17:00 It’s Not Murder, It’s Femicide, S. Almada, K. Volckmer, V. Tselepides
18:30 Hope as a Mistake? Literature & Politics in Dark Europe, L. Krasznahorkai, C. Emcke, K. Karpozilos, K. Papaioannou
19:00 "Male," "Female," and the Idea of Literary Character, Nicole Krauss, David Szalay, Kostas Kaltsas

Sunday, March 29, 2026

14:00 A Thousand Images, A Thousand Words, N. Panagiotopoulos, K. Papadaki, P. Evangelidis, Y. Economides
14:30 Stories We Avoid Telling, Katharina Volckmer, Danae Sioziou 
16:00 Fiction in the Age of Turmoil, Paul Lynch, Nikos Mantis
16:30 Man, Woman, Other: Does Writing Have a Gender?, David Szalay, Sophia Nikolaidou
18:30 Navigating Dark Forests When Everything Collapses, Nicole Krauss, Lefteris Kalospyros
19:00 Deconstructing "White Thought" Lilian Thuram, Demis Nikolaidis, Loretta Macaulay

Masterclasses & Experience

• Masterclasses: Intensive sessions with Paul Lynch and Nicole Krauss. Details and bookings at ailf.gr.

• Book Signings: Held at the Old Ovens (Palaioi Fournoi) after each discussion.

• Accessibility: Discussions will be broadcast on-site with simultaneous translation in Greek, English, and Sign Language.