ZEG Tbilisi Storytelling Festival

How are leading international editors responding to information pollution? You can now hear what Maria Ressa, Natalia Antelava, Branko Brkic, and Prof. Julie Posetti had to say about it at ZEG Fest 2024. Full conversation👉🏼 https://lnkd.in/g4ir5ecX

It was the most significant trip to a country known for its kindest people, pure nature, and where “the day after tomorrow” is summed up in one short word: “zeg.” Invited to ZEG Tbilisi Storytelling Festival as a speaker this spring, I eagerly expected my visit to Tbilisi. What I didn't expect was to meet such unique individuals who felt like a big, strong, and diverse family. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the panelists and moderators who participated in the festival discussions! Erica Benner, thank you for your warm energy. During our discussion with Tamara A., a Georgian activist and co-founder of the Shame Movement, and Stevie Valles, an inspiring activist from Chicago and CEO of Chicago Votes, we delved into "Activism in the Digital Age." We explored how injustice and crises not only traumatize but also strengthen our resolve and passion for new forms of policy. I also had discussion with Stevie Valles and Monique Maddy, a multicultural entrepreneur amplifying African voices on the global stage. I loved how we highlighted the differences between the meanings of Black and White in the USA and Eastern Europe. Stevie's remark, “Once I came to Romania, I thought, ‘These White people are Black people! These folks were also colonized,” was particularly insightful. It was a privilege to share the panel with you, my friends! Shelley Thakral, thank you for your creativity with questions that provoked deep reflections and allowed us to hear the harsh yet heroic experiences of Quentin Sommerville in Ukraine during the ongoing war, along with the excellent philosophical analysis by Matthew Pye. Jon Lee Anderson, I appreciate how you explored the Ukrainian context during our panels. Unfortunately, the most important panel for me, “Ukraine's Post-War Vision,” took place just after a significant attack on my native city, Kharkiv, which affected me deeply. Nonetheless, the panel proceeded, and I am grateful to Peter Pomerantsev, Nataliya Gumenyuk, and Jon for making it happen. Thank you, dearest ZEG Tbilisi Storytelling Festival team, for the warmest atmosphere, hospitality, professionalism, and fun! This festival of ideas, perspectives, and experiences has enriched me greatly, so following hiking in Juta was filled with reflections. Now, as I return to Ukraine and head to Kharkiv, I feel more inspired and motivated than ever! This hug of Natalia Antelava and Volodymyr Yarmolenko symbolizes how we, Ukrainians feel in Sakartvelo. 🇬🇪 ❤️ 🇺🇦

🪄 Day 3 of ZEG Fest 2024 was filled with exploration and insights. The morning kicked off with walking tours, including a journey through Tbilisi’s Soviet past led by former MP Giorgi Kandelaki, alongside a captivating exploration of Jewish Tbilisi. Walking tours set the stage for a day of probing sessions where attendees gathered to discuss some of the most urgent issues of our time. Highlights included Maria Ressa, Natalia Antelava, Prof. Julie Posetti and Branko Brkic discussing how to combat disinformation, Yaroslav Trofimov’s talk about his new book, and insightful discussions on culture’s role in global conflicts and the impact of AI on society. Also, acclaimed documentary director Bao Nguyen presented his ideas of the power of storytelling and the role of documentaries in shaping public discourse. The afternoon continued with an array of panels and workshops, which explored topics ranging from the transformative effects of AI with Julia Ioffe and Gary Shteyngart, to storytelling strategies with YouTube sensation, Johnny Harris. Other sessions examined activism in the digital age, Ukraine's global influence, and the challenges of documenting global tech giants. The day concluded with reflections on journalism's future amidst technological advancements, and a packed hall for a conversation with Nobel laureate Maria Ressa. During the closing ceremony, Galen Hooks, VMA-nominated choreographer and performer, danced Khorumi, the sacred dance of Georgian warriors, with the Georgian national ballet “Sukhishvili,” adding a spectacular cultural finale to a very special edition of the festival. #ZEG2024 #ZEGFestival #Day3

At the recent ZEG Tbilisi Storytelling Festival, I had the privilege of meeting some remarkable individuals. As I was leaving, an unexpected encounter at the airport left a lasting impression. I ran into two familiar faces at the Tbilisi airport after the festival. I was on the same flight as Malala Yousafzai's parents, Ziauddin and Toor Pekai. During the festival, I had the opportunity to get to know them, and their warmth and genuine nature made a strong impression on me. I'm always traveling with heavy bags (unfortunately), and Malala's father, Ziauddin, insisted that he carry my bag for me. Despite my protests, he finally convinced me that he likes carrying heavy bags—and I relented. It was a kind gesture by any person, but keep in mind that this is the father of a Nobel Prize winner. There were no video cameras, no reporters. Just a small act of service to a new friend. There was something so unassuming about it all. This simple act of kindness speaks volumes about the values that have shaped their family and Malala's journey. Thank you, Ziauddin, for your #kindness. It is a testament to your character and how you and Toor Pekai raised such an incredible woman—a #Nobel laureate. It's a powerful reminder that true greatness often manifests in small, everyday actions. The Yousafzai family continues to inspire, not just through their global advocacy for girls’ education, but through their personal interactions as well. This encounter was just one of many memorable moments from my time at #ZEGFEST. I look forward to sharing more about my experiences at this incredible storytelling festival in the coming days. #MalalaYousafzai #GirlsEducation #Inspiration

🌟 Day 2 of ZEG Fest 2024 was another stimulating day full of new ideas! The morning began with immersive walking tours, including a Tbilisi Soviet Occupation Tour, Political Tour, Literary Tour inspired by Nino Haratischvili’s "The Eighth Life," and a Contemporary Art Tour. The sessions kicked off with a discussion on how to save public interest media featuring Nishant Lalwani, Steve Capus, and Prof. Julie Posetti, followed by conversations on the climate crisis with Genia Mineeva, Galen Hooks, and Matthew Pye, and a panel on the power of fiction in navigating our world with Ahsan Akbar, Kira Brunner Don, Salar Abdoh, and Gary Shteyngart. At midday there was a deep dive into the global election landscape with Julia Ioffe, Siddharth Varadarajan, Stevie Valles, Tornike Gordadze and Branko Brkic, a session on Georgia’s culinary resilience with chefs Tekuna Gachechiladze and Meriko Gubeladze, and a gender reporting workshop led by Eliza Anyangwe. The afternoon was packed with thought-provoking discussions. We explored the role of philosophy in the age of AI with Erica Benner, Volodymyr Yermolenko, and Matthew Pye, examined Russia’s impact on Europe, the magic of memoir writing with Monique Maddy and Shazna Nessa, and practical tips for aspiring authors from literary agent, Patrick Walsh. Highlights included Armando Iannucci sharing what keeps him up at night, discussions on colonialism, how to stay sane in an insane world with Shelley Thakral, Alice Zhuravel', Quentin Sommerville, and Matthew Pye, and an exploration of Ukraine’s post-war future with Alice Zhuravel, Nataliya Gumenyuk, and Peter pomeranzev. The day concluded with a live football match, candid “Off the Record” sessions with journalists Jon Lee Anderson and Shazna Nessa, and an open mic session for attendees to share their stories, all contributing to an unforgettable festival day. #ZEG2024 #ZEGFestival #Day2

One of the most fun and humbling speaking engagements I've ever had! ZEG Tbilisi Storytelling Festival brought together the most stellar lineup of voices shaping how we tell stories in 2024 including the incredible Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa. Such an honour to be included and share my thoughts on how powerful storytelling through design and physical product can be for climate crisis awareness. Here with the awesome Inga Thordar Matthew Pye and Galen Hooks

✨ Day 1 of ZEG Fest 2024 was phenomenal and full of insightful conversations! We kicked off with highlights like "Journeys in Storytelling" featuring Andrew North and Molly Crabapple, AI tips from Aaron Rasmussen, and a discussion on Russia's foreign agents law. Midday sessions included a brainstorm on AI and education with Aaron Rasmussen and Ziauddin Yousafzai, insights on content creation from Joe Sabia and Fran Shea, discussions about parenting from Malala’s parents and debates on the future of legacy media. Afternoon panels explored curation with Britain’s most celebrated curator Ekow Eshun, Uyghur history, African storytelling, and food writing. We also examined why Georgia is a frontline in the global battle against authoritarianism and - for the first time in history of ZEG - enjoyed stories told by our audiences in a new, open mic session. And that’s not all! For 10 hours our six stages were filled with workshops, conversations and stories that matter for the day after tomorrow. #ZEG2024 #ZEGFestival #Day1

Moments between stages and panels at ZEG 2024 #ZEGFEST #ZEGFESTIVAL #ZEG2024

🎬 TELL IT LIKE JOHNNY In this storytelling workshop, journalist and filmmaker Johnny Harris talks about how he came up with his unique way of storytelling that landed him with 5 million (and counting) followers on YouTube! #JohnnyHarris #ZEG2024 #ZEGFESTIVAL #ZEGFEST

We're beyond grateful to have Maria Ressa at ZEG 2024! ▪️At 12 she had a conversation about DISARMING DISINFORMATION, with Natalia Antelava, Branko Brkic and Julie Posetti - How leading international editors are responding to information pollution in a pivotal year for democracy. ▪️At 18:00 you will have one more opportunity to meet her at Main Stage: THE OPPOSITE OF HATRED - Nobel Peace Prize Laureate in conversation with Julie Posetti. #MARIARESSA #ZEGFEST #ZEG2024 #ZEGFESTIVAL