The International Booker Prize, a prestigious literary award recognizing fiction works translated into English, has partnered with Merman, the production company behind ‘Bad Sisters,’ to create a captivating series of short films featuring celebrities reading excerpts from the shortlisted books.
Pop sensation Dua Lipa lends her voice to ‘The Details’ by Ia Genberg, while ‘The Crown’s’ Tobias Menzies tackles ‘Mater 2-10’ by Hwang Sok-yong. ‘Rye Lane’ star David Jonsson brings ‘Not a River’ by Selva Almada to life, and Eleanor Tomlinson of ‘One Day’ fame reads Jenny Erpenbeck’s ‘Kairos.’ Anya Chalotra from ‘The Witcher’ takes on ‘What I’d Rather Not Think About’ by Jente Posthuma, and Antonio Thomas of ‘Still Up’ lends his voice to ‘Crooked Plow’ by Itamar Vieira Junior.
Dua Lipa, who has a deep appreciation for translated fiction, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, ‘As someone who grew up speaking two languages, I know how inspiring it can be to have access to stories about other worlds… Translated fiction is a hand extended from one culture to another. It allows us to understand each other better, and to see the world in a new light.’
Directed by Charlotte Hamblin, whose previous works include ‘Downton Abbey,’ ‘Call the Midwife,’ and ‘Operation Mincemeat,’ these short films will not only be available on the Booker Prize website but will also be showcased at the grand prize ceremony in London on May 21st, 2023.
