Janet DeNeefe is the founder and director of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, in Bali. The festival, currently celebrating its 13th anniversary, is running until Sunday. As well as being a space for literary debate, it is also a forum of human rights, says the Australian organiser.
Hélder Beja in Ubud
You've answered many times in interviews the question ‘why did you decide to create the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival?’, but I'm curious about how – meaning, how was it possible to put it together for the first time all those years ago?
Janet DeNeefe – The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival was born in 2004, after the Bali bombings. Morale in the community was low and we wanted to find a way to bring back a positive spirit and boost the community on every level. It truly is a community event – we’re like a family and everyone helps in their own way. It wouldn’t be possible without the local businesses that support us every year.
When you look back at what you've done, and at the festival as it currently exists, what's your feeling on how it has evolved?
I always believed it would grow to be one of Southeast Asia’s most celebrated literary events. We have everything in our favour – an exotic destination, hospitable people, great food, warm climate, tropical ambiance. Last year we welcomed 30,000 people to meet more than 165 authors from across Indonesia and the globe. Our program is excitingly diverse – from open-air panels, under-the-stars dinners, market tours, workshops, cooking demonstrations, tours, live music and performances – and our audience loves what we offer.
Have you travelled to other festivals of this kind in Asia? In your opinion what makes the Ubud one different from the rest?
Ubud is of course my home and I rather like to think of the Festival as a huge dinner party. Perhaps what makes us different, though, is the hospitality we offer, especially for the writers. We run the Festival from the heart and I believe you can feel the difference, it feels genuine and caring. I’ve participated in many writer’s festivals, both as a writer and as an observer, but Ubud really does have a magical feel and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the warm, fuzzy atmosphere.
You've had some big names as guests at the Festival. Are there any interesting stories you'd like to tell about that? Did you manage to get to invite and know some of your favorite writers, or that was never a criteria?
We seek voices that have extraordinary stories to tell. So while they might not always be the most recognisable names, they are no less fascinating. Anastasia Lin, for example, who will join us this year, is the reigning Miss World Canada, and a powerful human rights advocate. Shandra Woworuntu is a leading voice in human trafficking in the U.S. We think those stories are important to share and that’s the main thing we look for when inviting speakers. I have met many of my favourite writers over the years and continue to invite them if they fit our theme.
Looking at this year's programme, can you tell us a few of your personal highlights?
I’m so excited to see the range of Indonesian talent we have joining us this year. Young film-maker Wregas Bhanuteja, for example, whose short film PRENJAK just received an award at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. Eka Kurniawan, whose novel ‘Beauty Is A Wound’ was long-listed for the International Man-Booker Prize. Indonesian literature and art is still finding its way into the broader world and we’re very proud to be a platform where people can access it so readily.
You have two Portuguese authors amongst your guests, two women. How did you come across their works and why did you decide to invite them to Ubud?
I was very excited to hear Susana [Moreira Marques] speak at the Edinburgh Festival last year and felt her latest novel was perfect for our theme this year. And I actually met Maria Inês [Almeida] in Ubud many months ago and was impressed with her work and her focus on compassion. I have always dreamed of visiting Portugal and this is stage one of my plan!
Last year the festival faced unprecedented challenges regarding censorship and a kind of control by Indonesian authorities. How are things at this stage? Is this something that concerns you?
Last year was certainly a challenge, but what we learned was that people will still have the conversations they want to have, no matter what is in the program. We’ve been described as a literature festival masquerading as a human rights forum and we’ll always strive to uphold that reputation. This year, we’re focusing on issues like migration, identity and extremism, so it’s safe to say we’re back and bolder than ever!
You're married to a Balinese man, you have some businesses in Bali, and you've created a Food Festival here. Tell us a bit about that.
When I first arrived to Bali as a 15-year old girl, I was immediately intoxicated by the Balinese food, culture, everything. The passion for the food continued and is central to my life, from our businesses Indus and Casa Luna, to the cooking school we run at Honeymoon Guesthouse. The Ubud Food Festival was just another extension of this – a three-day feast of the deliciousness and diversity of Indonesian cuisine. It will celebrate its third birthday in 2017 from May 12-14, and we’re anticipating it will only continue to grow. What’s not to love about food?
You've also published a number of books on Balinese cuisine. Do you have one or two favorite specialties everyone should try when visiting the island?
I have so many favourites, it's impossible to choose. Balinese food, Ibu Oka's suckling pig is a hard to beat. And for grilled fish, Ikan Bakar Cianjur in Denpasar is a must.
You've lived here for many years and you've seen Bali's development. What's your opinion about it? Do you still love the island the way you did when you first visited it?
Bali has changed a lot over the past 30 years but so has Melbourne, where I was born. Anywhere that is dynamic and thriving with creative folk does not stand still. I live in Bali in a very different way to your average tourist or visitor. I am involved in the local community, in all the local events, the extended family and that never changes. So on that level, life in Bali is still the same for me. But more than anything, it’s my home.
