ISH AIT HAMOU – AN EVENING OF LITERATURE AND FILM

Ish Ait Hamou, as a writer, director, and storyteller, has a sharp eye for the human being behind the story. His work moves at the intersection of literature, film, and television, where he continually seeks ways to broaden perspectives. With novels such as Het moois dat we delen, Cécile, and De theorie van de 1 of 2, he has earned a prominent place in Dutch-language literature. His writing style is both poetic and accessible, touching readers through his sincere attention to human vulnerability, identity, and connection.

At Ish’s invitation, Myriem El-Kaddouri will join the conversation. Myriem is a lawyer, writer, current Letterzetter (city poet) of Kortrijk, and curator of the Memento word festival. With her poetry collection Hier ligt de waarheid in overdaad, she won the 2025 C. Buddingh Prize for best Dutch-language poetry debut. As a powerful new voice in Dutch-language poetry, Ish is curious about her writing process and her view on Flemish literature and poetry. How important is what you do, what you have to say? Does it matter?

Alongside his literary work, Ish has developed as a screenwriter and director. His short films and television projects show the same sensitivity to authenticity and social themes. He uses visual language to tell stories that raise questions about coexistence, origins, and the power of imagination. Film editor Nico Leunen will talk about his collaboration with Ish and his brother Monir on BXL (2024), a film the brothers wrote and directed together. How does he give stories rhythm, emotion, and structure? “Editing along the emotional arc of the characters,” is how Ish characterizes Leunen’s style.

Actor, theater maker, and musician Zouzou Ben Chikha will skillfully guide the conversations.

In collaboration with Amal and Boekhandel Walry.