Themed “Courage”, this year’s Kampot Readers & Writer’s Festival (KRWF) brings world-renowned novelists, musicians and artists to Kampot and Phnom Penh.

It’s here at last! The biggest international celebration of literature, music and art in the Kingdom returns for its third year from 1st-5th November 2017.

Who’s Taking Part?

This year, the line-up is superb, featuring a literary lunch with authors Jung Chang (Wild Swans, Mao: The Unknown Story, Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China) and Madeleine Thien (Do Not Say We Have Nothing, Dogs at the Perimeter, Simple Recipes) in Phnom Penh, readings by acclaimed poet David O’Meara, prizewinning novelist Esi Edugyan (Half Blood Blues) and others in Kampot, and a fantastic schedule, spanning both cities, of film screenings, gigs, poetry slams, painting events, workshops and more.

Keep an eye out for top events with leading Cambodian choreographer Sophiline Cheam Shapiro, activist and champion of traditional Khmer music Arn Chorn Pond, and deportee-turned-poet Kosal Khiev, subject of the documentary Cambodian Son.

Top Bands

Many favourites of Cambodia’s indie music scene are taking part this year, too, including Kampot Playboys, Phnom Skor and Bokor Mountain Magic Band.

A Curious Mix

With an emphasis on the oral storytelling traditions that shaped Cambodian culture as well so as many others around the world, this year will also see the creation of a Viking-style long ship, and recitation of an Icelandic saga which mirrors many themes and styles of ancient Khmer poetry.

Basically, it’s going to be eclectic, it’s going to be nuts, and you’re going to be gutted if you miss it. Check our the full schedule on the website, here. 

KRWF, 1st-5th November, various locations in Kampot and Phnom Penh. The official launch party begins at 6pm, Wednesday 1st November @ Chinese House, Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh.