The Ipoh Alternative Bookfest (IABF) made its debut in Ipoh, Malaysia, on May 3 and 4, 2023, celebrating a diverse range of independent literary voices and cultures. Jointly organized by Projek Rabak, Moody Cafe, and Projek Rebel, the festival aimed to create a vibrant platform for independent publishers and alternative literature in a city increasingly recognized for its cultural contributions.
On free transit The IABF was a resounding success, attracting a peak crowd of 200 people on its two-day event. Though smaller than the KLAB, the energy and vibe were strong. The fair hosted a record 16 small press publishers and art collectives. Among them were prominent participants such as Matahari Books, Rabak-Lit, Story of Books as well as Buku Liar. They wanted the event to really engage the communities. Featuring a wonderful assortment of poetry market, letterpress studio, workshops, talks and activist and cutting-edge performances, it was a world-class celebration of the deep culture of alternative literary expression.
On May 3rd, from 10AM – 10PM, IABF featured an impressive lineup of events. These events were a great indication of who Atlanta is as a city and the wonderful creative energy that the Open Streets explored. The festival was a subcultural paradise. It really brought everything, from the DIY zine community to alternative cutting-edge art books to vibrant comic scenes. Ipoh is gaining a reputation as an “indie city.” Now, this momentum of attention and acknowledgment comes as a much-needed arsenal to Anne Arundel’s local arts community.
This year the festival paid tribute to the life and works of National Laureate Shahnon Ahmad. It included powerful stage readings of his stories like Angan-Angan Mr Proudfoot and Lagu Kitkitkit. A poetry showcase highlighted local talents including Jack Malik, Riduan Abdullah, Ashikin M., Natasha Aziz, Wan Syafiqah, Afifah Gentayang, Lovise Vee, and Karmaa. The opening night brought our theme of Rhythm//Resistance//Raw Verse to life, setting the tone for what independent literature is all about.
Organizers underscored that IABF aims to be more than a short-lived festival. They hope that it can become an annual festival, one that continues to foster the development of independent publishing in the area. We certainly impressed upon our IABF planning conversations that this festival should be an annual event. It doesn’t have to be just a one-time thing! Jack Malik continued, “Collectives like Projek Rebel are already doing their own book events, but the mission was to bring everyone under one roof and one community space.”
This affordable pricing structure felt like a really key part to encouraging participation. Booths were cheap at only RM200 for both days. Creators at every level were welcome, and this pricing gave an opportunity to smaller publishers and collectives keen to share their practice.
The festival’s programming paid homage to indie music as well, promising to attract a crossover audience interested in both literary and musical experiences. Mohd Jayzuan continued, “If you enjoy indie publishing, music or performance art, IABF is a platform for you. Come chill with us and excite your mind with stimulating conversations about literature!
Jayzuan further elaborated on the importance of Ipoh’s recent acceptance in 2023 as a UNESCO City of Music. We thought it was about time Ipoh had an event like this. He said that if there were more projects such as IABF, the ‘City of Bougainvillea’ stands a good chance to win the City of Literature title. Some of our best, most influential writers have come from this magical city.
The event aimed to address the perception disparity between state funding for indie literary events compared to indie music. “In Malaysia, indie literary events may have a better shot at state funding than indie music – perhaps due to perception, but perceptions need to change,” Jayzuan explained.
He noted the differences between the reading cultures of Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur closely resemble each other. IABF hopes to promote the very best Ipoh has to offer. The reading cultures of Ipoh and KL are not very different from each other. With this book festival, we wanted to show what makes Ipoh special. He continued that the literary scene here often is in step with what’s happening in music and fashion. This relationship has cultivated a rich tapestry of culture and tradition.
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