Literary Festival turns another page

The Literary Festival ushers in its fourth edition this year. The budget for this year’s edition is set at MOP2.7 million, of which MOP1.5 million is covered by the government, says Ricardo Pinto, the director of the event.
The organiser admitted that previous editions have been registering losses but this year they are aiming to break even. The director of the event still believes in the initiative and the long-term benefits for Macau society, especially for youngsters.
“We have the ambition to make it grow, and have more and more people to join us and attend our sessions,” said Pinto. “This year, many events will be based at the Old Court Building – a much more visible location, it will help a lot to attract people.”
“This festival was made to make sure literature is in the daily lives of Macau people and get locals more interested in books and reading. If this also attracts tourists, or helps with diversifying the cultural offers of Macau, of course we will be delighted,” he added.
This year’s highlights include a screening of director Ann Hui’s film The Golden Era at the UA Galaxy Cinemas, a triple bill featuring performances by LMF (Hong Kong), Gabriel o Pensador (Brazil) and Blademark (Macau), with a solo exhibition by Filipina photographer Xyza Bacani.
Founded in 2012 by local Portuguese newspaper Ponto Final, the Macau Literary Festival is the first meeting of literati from China and Portuguese-speaking countries to be organised in the world, said the organiser.
The festival is supported by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and Macau Foundation, as well as several other private entities, with local gaming operator SJM – Sociedade de Jogos de Macau – one of the main sponsors.