Illustrators and writers invited to submit entries that reimagine ‘Giufà’

Illustramente|Festival dell’illustrazione e della letteratura per l’infanzia is a festival originating in Palermo that hosts various thematic events in relation to literature. The artistic director of the project is Rosanna Maranto and last year the festival was dedicated to the Sicilian variation of Ġaħan, called Giufà, with the theme titled ‘Giufà Vien dal Mare’.  The Maltese Ġaħan has strong links to the Sicilian Giufà, since most of the tales correspond with each other, like the tales of Ġaħan and the door, Ġaħan and the chicks, and Ġaħan and the donkey, among others.

This connection was emphasised by the publication of Aldo Farini titled Fiabe, Tradizioni, e Leggende Maltesi (1934), which was illustrated by Willie Apap, and who depicted Ġaħan as a child. However, this character was also depicted as an adult, as shown in the series of books by Ġorġ Mifsud Chircop, illustrated by Pierre Portelli, Salvu Mallia and Louis Darmanin. The representations of this character vary in age and costume according to culture, but he retained his personality and tales wherever he travelled.

This competition, with the theme of ‘Giufà Vien dal Mare’, gives the public an opportunity to create their own version of Ġaħan or Giufà, who should be a character to remember not only because he forms part of our cultural heritage focusing on folklore, but also because he is a voice of the common people with his own sense of humour and unwritten wisdom.

He is a voice of the common people

The artistic programme of the festival hosted by ‘Illustramente’ included discussions, public lectures and workshops for children.

The poster of the competition

This year, it is providing an opportunity for any illustrators and writers, ranging from students to emerging artists and writers, to participate in a competition with last year’s theme. This opportunity is provided by a partnership with Istituto Italiano di Cultura – La Valletta and Istituto Italiano di Cultura – Krakow.

Students between the ages of 11 and 18 can apply for free (minors require parental consent) while emerging writers, and illustrators can apply against a payment fee of €15.

The application deadline is June 30 and the final works should be submitted by September 22.

For more information, visit www.illustramente.it.