The Art of Exile: A Screening and Conversation

All PEN World Voices Festival tickets are non-refundable. Please confirm the time and location of your event before finalizing your purchase.

Join us for a screening of the short documentary film The Art of Exile, co-presented by Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) & City of Asylum, and a conversation featuring Sudanese activist and writer Rania Mamoun (Something Evergreen Called Life), Algerian novelist and human rights defender Anouar Rahmani, and Vietnamese pop star and dissident Mai Khôi, moderated by ARC’s executive director, Julie Trébault.

Art of Exile, brings together three documentary shorts from directors Dara Kell and Veena Rao that recount the stories of a visionary, self-taught artist, a boundary-pushing novelist, and a defiant musician who challenge the status quo, preconceived notions, and the boundaries of the permissible. The discussion will highlight the work of each writer and ask, what does it mean to make art while navigating the creative, personal, and logistical challenge of living in exile.

The 2025 PEN World Voices Festival, the 20th anniversary of the festival, will be a celebration of world literature and free expression. Over four days, over 80 writers from over 35 countries will be featured in engaging talks, panels, readings, and performances in New York City and greater Los Angeles.

Visit for more information about the entire festival, as well as PEN America.

The Quad Cinema is ADA compliant.

ASL interpretation is available for this event by request only. Please reach out to our Box Office team at [email protected] by April 21st to request.

Please ask a Box Office Attendant or festival representative upon arrival for directions to accessible seating if preferred.

For further information on accessibility in this space, or to make a request, please contact [email protected]

While not required, per public health official guidelines, the World Voices Festival recommends being fully vaccinated, and wearing masks in all public indoor settings as a precaution against the spread of Covid-19, as well as around crowds.

If you are feeling unwell, please do not come to the event. Reach out to [email protected] for assistance if you have already purchased a ticket.

We thank you for ensuring our speakers, guests and venue workers feel safe and comfortable at all World Voices Festival events. If you have questions or concerns please contact [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Quad Cinema, 34 West 13th Street, New York, United States