IFOA 29: The Photo Diary (i.e., the evidence)

As promised, a photographic trip down memory boulevard, a visual diary of IFOA 29 in no particular order.

The festival begins with Don McKellar in "spirited conversation" with Roddy Doyle.

Chip Kidd interviewed by Christopher Butcher at the intimate Studio Theatre.

David Benioff (author/screenwriter/heartthrob) reads from his newest, City of Thieves.

Lee Henderson (the real Lee, that is), prepares to sign copies of The Man Game outside the Brigantine Room.

The funniest panel I saw this year. Hugo Hamilton, Dermot Bolger, Emma Donoghue and David Park discuss contemporary Irish literature, moderated by Bert Archer.

Junot Diaz, somehow managing to looks sneaky, seductive and brilliant all at the same time.

The menu for just one of the remarkable authors' dinners during the festival. This one was at Le Select Bistro. I had the cock's crowns and the lamb's neck. Believe it or not, I used to be a vegetarian.

Austin Clarke interviewed by CBC's The Scene at the IFOA/Hello! Magazine Welcome party.

Colm Toibin and Eugene McCabe trying to decide who's round it is at the IFOA/Hello! party. Fellas! The drinks were free!

2008 Harboufront Festival Prize winner Wayson Choy enjoying himself at the IFOA/Hello! party.


And finally, Moyez Gulamhussein (M.G.) Vassanji steals a moment of serenity before I annihilate him on the squash court... I mean, before he steps on stage.

The 2008 Harbourfront Festival Prize goes to...

A wee shout-out to Wayson Choy, who was awarded the $10,000 Harbourfront Festival Prize last night in recognition of his "substantial contribution to the world of books and writing." By all accounts, the man is a tireless and passionate teacher (in addition to being brilliant on the page). As they say in my adopted native homeland of Newcastle, in the north of England, "Howay the lad!"