Your Guide to Melbourne Writers Festival — Through the Eyes of a Creative
Melbourne Writers Festival and Emerging Writers' Festival are proud to partner to bring you insights into the 2025 Melbourne Writers Festival through the eyes of emerging writers and creatives.
These digital reporters are local creatives responding to this year’s Melbourne Writers Festival, engaging with Melbourne’s literary festivals on a deeper level. As a filmmaker, Stephanie Ongkowijoyo created this short and supporting article about MWF’s upcoming 2025 program of events.
Keep an eye out on our socials for more creative responses from EWF’s digital reporters, as well as exclusive interviews with MWF artists, in the coming weeks.
Hi, I’m Stephanie — a dancer and filmmaker based in Naarm/Melbourne. Storytelling has always been at the heart of what I do, whether it’s through movement, film, or capturing everyday magic on camera. So, when Melbourne Writers Festival rolls around, I get really excited. This year’s program is packed with voices from all over the world — and with so much on offer, it can be a little overwhelming to know where to start.
That’s why I’ve curated a personal guide to the festival, based on themes that resonate: food and culture, personal relationships, and creativity in the arts. Whether you're a fellow creative, an avid reader, or someone just dipping your toes into the literary world, I hope this helps you find something that speaks to you.
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🍜 Food & Culture
Asako Yuzuki: Butter
Saturday 10 May, 5:30pm & Sunday 11 May 10:30am, The Capitol
If you're someone who believes food is more than just sustenance — that it’s memory, identity, and emotion — then this is a session for you. Japanese author Asako Yuzuki makes her debut appearance in Australia to talk about her novel Butter — a story that blends the complexities of food, gender, and the quiet power of indulgence. It’s tender, gripping, and rich in texture. I love when storytelling takes a sensory route, and this one? Chef’s kiss.
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💭 Personal & Social Relationships
The Psychology of Your 20s with Lucinda Price AKA Froomes
Saturday 10 May, 6:30pm, State Library Victoria, Conversation Quarter
I have to say — I’m a huge fan of Jemma’s podcast. If you've ever felt like you're falling behind in life, this conversation will be the warm hug you didn’t know you needed. Jemma dives into those "What am I doing with my life?" questions we all secretly carry — from careers to friendships, dating to decision fatigue. Her candid, thoughtful approach makes you feel seen.
Ever scrolled through Instagram and felt like everyone else is somehow ten steps ahead? Married, babies, home owners... Meanwhile, you’re just trying to figure out dinner. You’re not alone. And more importantly — you’re not behind. Jemma’s words remind us that life isn’t a race. We’re all running different paths, at our own pace — and that’s exactly how it’s meant to be.
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✨ Creativity in the Industry
Blak Magic Women
Saturday 10 May, 7:30pm, The Wheeler Centre
This one’s for the storytellers, the dreamers, the artists navigating the creative grind. Four powerhouse First Nations women — a novelist, a journalist, a singer-songwriter, and a performer — come together to share their creative processes and lived experiences.
This session offers more than just inspiration — it’s a celebration of resilience, and brilliance. Expect raw honesty, bold storytelling, and those magic moments that remind us why we keep creating, even when it’s tough. It’s a chance to listen, learn, and be lit up from the inside out.
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Whether you're there to be moved, provoked, or simply enjoy the beauty of words in all their forms, Melbourne Writers Festival has something for everyone. I hope you find a session that fills your creative cup and reminds you just how powerful stories can be.