LAHORE: Olomopolo Media unveiled the beautifully designed, hardcover special edition of ‘Uncollected’, a publication containing 8 original pieces of poetry and prose by four established authors and four emerging writers that passionately engage in a discourse relevant to our times and society.
Reflecting on the basic human right of self-expression and identity, Uncollected: a Collection Of Peculiar Poetry And Prose, began as a three-month long writing workshop and mentorship programme, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Pakistan and the Alliance Francaise, that matched four aspiring writers (the mentees) Ahsan Qayyum Shah, Alishba Arif, Nayab Imtiaz and Sherdil Rashid with four published authors (the mentors) Farjad Nabi, Hassan Tahir Latif, Mina Malik and Yusra Amjad to establish rapport between these like minded individuals, explore their unique personal experiences, facilitate learning and hone the skills of the mentees, provide feedback and work toward the goals of the programme by challenging each one them to produce new pieces of work originating from deep within, giving freedom to tucked away emotions and stifled voices.
The launch event in Lahore was held at Olomopolo and began with an address by Fabrice Disdier, the Director of Alliance Francaise, Lahore. Mr Disdier emphasised that literature is the ultimate form of freedom of expression, a fundamental value across the globe linked to the principle of equality. He further stated that literature transcends boundaries and effectively promotes societal progress, referring to the works presented in “Uncollected” as vehicles of advocacy, and to each author as a universe unto themselves whose stories enriches us all.
He commended the authors for their courage in sharing their stories and the team at Olomopolo for fostering an environment where voices can be heard and on achieving the milestone of publishing its first book.
The highlight of the evening was the live readings from Uncollected by the featured writers, All That Is In Between by Farjab Nabi, Variegated Love Song by Mina Malik, Comphet by Yusra Amjad, Lost Letters by Hassan Tahir Latif, An Apology to an English Teacher by Ahsan Qayyum Shah, Aiviria by Nayab Imtiaz, Ghazal by Sherdil Rashid and The Unwitting Widow by Alishba Arif.
Since its inception in 2013, Olomopolo Media has aimed to convey meaning through its work, mostly through audio visual media such as film, performing arts and theatre. Through narratives, stories and ideas, Olomopolo’s objective has always been to share reality and truth.
