CULTURE CLUB
LESSONS IN LETTERS
CAMBRIDGE LITERARY FESTIVAL
Two exciting events for book lovers are coming up, courtesy of Cambridge Literary Festival. First, hear Sandra Newman speak on her new novel Julia , which retells Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four from a woman’s perspective. With a feminist take on fictional Oceania, Newman addresses systemic oppression and state control – and how these inhibit women’s bodily autonomy. Afterwards, catch award-winning Anne Enright as she presents The Wren, The Wren , a multi- generational story of love, trauma, resilience and transcendence. The novel follows Nell, a young woman who finds her family history impossible to escape. Both talks will occur in the Palmerston Room at St John’s College on Tuesday 17 October. For a limited time, those who book both talks will receive a 25% discount. Don’t miss the Winter Festival, scheduled for 16-19 November, with appearances from Theresa May, Lemn Sissay, Grace Dent and more. To access priority booking, visit cambridgeliteraryfestival.com
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MAKING A SPLASH OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL
Now coming to Cambridge as part of its world tour is the Ocean Film Festival. Celebrating seafaring cinema, the event showcases short independent films about life alongside the ocean. From marine creatures to aquatic adventures, each work takes a profound look at the relationship between humans and nature. The Ocean Film Festival receives support from both the Marine Conservation Society and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors – and has raised over £21,000 for charity. So far, the festival has presented 89 films in 14 countries. This year’s line-up includes eight shorts, with runtimes ranging from four minutes ( Hypnotise ) to 25 ( Broken Breath ). The films cover fishing, big-wave windsurfing, cold plunging, whale watching and wildlife
restoration, as well as themes of community and self-discovery. The featured locations include Australia, Africa and the UK. Head to Cambridge’s West Road Concert Hall on 25 September to see screenings of all eight shorts, each of which will be introduced by a compere. Plus, attendees can enter a free draw to win water-related prizes. For tickets and information, visit oceanfilmfestival.co.uk
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK SEPTEMBER 2023 11
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