Fabula x CELA – Contemporary, Young European Literature

In 2025, the Festival of World Literatures – Fabula has become an international partner of the European platform CELA (Connecting Emerging Literary Artists). By building a growing network of literary artists across Europe through translating and promoting literary works in non-native languages, CELA aims to break through uneven literary infrastructures in different countries, and to open possibilities to reach European audiences beyond borders. Through this partnership, Fabula will contribute to the professionalisation of young literary artists and establish Ljubljana as one of Europe's major literary incubators.

Within the context of the Fabula x CELA project, in cooperation with Goga Publishing House and Cankarjev dom, a special literary event will feature three up-and-coming young European fiction writers. The event is dedicated to exploring contemporary European literature and discussing the creative currents that have influenced the coming generations of authors. The event will be hosted by Aljoša Harlamov.

Guests:
Filip Grujić (Serbia)
Born in Novi Sad in 1995, Filip Grujić is an award-winning writer and playwright, one of the most prominent voices among the younger generation of Serbian writers. He graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade, where he now serves as a teaching assistant. Grujić is the author of several acclaimed plays and novels, including Podstanar (2020), which was nominated for the European Prize for Literature and the Nin Award, and Bludni dani kuratog Džonija (2017). With his most recent novel, I onda opet, iz doceko (2023), Grujić reasserts himself as a prominent voice in the Serbian literary landscape. His works explore existential questions, interpersonal relationships and issues of urban life.

Ekaterina Petrova (Bulgaria)
Ekaterina Petrova is a literary translator and non-fiction author. She holds a BA in Literary Translation from the University of Iowa, where she was awarded the prestigious Iowa Arts Fellowship. As a translator, she took part in various literary residencies, including the Art Omi Translation Lab in the US and the National Centre for Writing in the UK. Her translations and essays have been published in EuropeNow, Ninth Letter and Drunken Boat, among others. A leading name among Bulgaria’s young generation of translators, Petrova’s work opens bridges between languages, cultures and literary currents.

Francesco Aloia (Italy)
Francesco Aloia, born in Naples in 1999, is one of Italy's most prolific young authors. After studying at the prestigious Scuola Holden in Turin, he published his first novel, Questo sangue masticato, in 2024, which combines elements of a personal investigation, a family novel and a gangster story. He is currently pursuing the career of a writer and literary consultant and developing new projects. Marked by a vivid language and a blend of personal and social themes, Aloia’s writing ranks him among the most promising literary voices of the young generation.

Fabula x CELA as a Literary Incubator 
Within the context of the Fabula x CELA project, featured authors will participate in several literary events around Slovenia during the festival, including guest appearances at Goga (Novo mesto), Maks (Nova Gorica) and Beletrina (Maribor) bookstores. In addition, a networking with local publishers and editors will take place at Vodnikova domačija Šiška (Vodnik's Homestead), where young authors will have the opportunity to establish contacts and form connections with a view to supporting their further development.

The talk will be held in English, with simultaneous translation into Slovenian.