Photos and Videos from 2013 International Prize for Arabic Fiction Awards Ceremony

A few snapshots and videos from the award ceremony:

Before the announcement began.
Before the announcement began.
Outgoing IPAF board chair Jonathan Taylor talks about, among other things, why the award welcomes dissent and controversy, "as this will arouse interest" in the shortlisted titles. Next year's board chair will be Professor Yasir Suleiman of Cambridge University. http://www.ames.cam.ac.uk/general_info/biographies/islamic/Suleiman.htm
Outgoing IPAF board chair Jonathan Taylor talks about, among other things, why the award welcomes dissent and controversy, “as this will arouse interest” in the shortlisted titles. Next year’s board chair will be Professor Yasir Suleiman of Cambridge University.
Jonathan Taylor with Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who presented the prize.
Jonathan Taylor with Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who presented the prize.
Novelist Sinan Antoon speaking in a short film about his novel.
Novelist Sinan Antoon speaking in a short film about his novel.
Each of the novelists were featured in short films. Each read from their books and discussed them.
Each of the novelists were featured in short films. Each read from their books and discussed them.
Saud Alsanousi reads from his novel and talks about the significance of bamboo.
Saud Alsanousi reads from his novel and talks about the significance of bamboo.
Ibrahim Eissa in a very crowd-pleasing film where he talked about TV imams and had the audience laughing and applauding.
Ibrahim Eissa in a very crowd-pleasing film where he talked about TV imams and had the audience laughing and applauding.
Hussein al-Wad talks about the first review of his book that he read, where the reviewer commented that all new ministers should receive a copy of "His Excellency the Minister."
Hussein al-Wad talks about the first review of his book that he read, where the reviewer commented that all new ministers should receive a copy of “His Excellency the Minister.”
Hussein al-Wad talks about the first review of his book that he read, where the reviewer commented that all new ministers should receive a copy of "His Excellency the Minister."
Hussein al-Wad talks about the first review of his book that he read, where the reviewer commented that all new ministers should receive a copy of “His Excellency the Minister.”
Judging chair Galal Amin, an Egyptian economist and writer, announces the 2013 winner.
Judging chair Galal Amin, an Egyptian economist and writer, announces the 2013 winner.

Video of Alsanoussi at the moment the award is announced:

Alsanousi accepts the 2013 IPAF.
Alsanousi accepts the 2013 IPAF.

Video of Alsanousi accepting the prize:

Crowd applauds Alsanoussi. Photo courtesy IPAF, Kheredine Mabrouk.
Crowd applauds Alsanoussi. Photo courtesy IPAF, Kheridine Mabrouk.
Alsanousi speaks briefly upon accepting his award, saying that he is very happy for himself and for Kuwait.
Alsanousi speaks briefly upon accepting his award, saying that he is very happy for himself and for Kuwait.

 

The post-award press conference, at which reporters asked about the role nationality played in the prize, the gender imbalance, how Alsanousi thought his book might contribute to a discussion of migrant labor in the Gulf, and more.
The post-award press conference, at which reporters asked about the role nationality played in the prize, the gender imbalance, how Alsanousi thought his book might contribute to a discussion of migrant labor in the Gulf, and more.

 Video of Alsanoussi talking about his book and the conversation about immigrant labor in the Gulf:

Also, I just saw this lovely (public) congratulations on Facebook from Antoon to Alsanoussi:

مبروك للروائي الكويتي سعود السنعوسي الفوز بالجائزة العالمية للرواية العربية عن رائعته “ساق البامبو.” كاتب جميل وإنسان رائع نتوقع منه المزيد.