March 30, 2025 | 2:00 PM
Hirut Jazz Cafe, 2050 Danforth Avenue, Toronto
Free admission | open to the public
Step into an afternoon of inspiration and storytelling as we present Voices of Freedom at Hirut Jazz Cafe in Toronto’s east end. This special edition of the reading series, hosted by the Writers in Exile group of PEN Canada, brings together powerful voices from across the globe—representing South America, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
This edition will feature Tala Motazedi (Iran), Andersson Boscan (Ecuador), and Raffi Minas (Syria).
Join us in celebrating the strength and resilience of these courageous voices, as their words evoke a deep longing for their homelands and shed light on the complexities of life in exile. Let’s come together as a compassionate community to honour their stories and the enduring power of love and hope.
About the readers
Tala Motazedi is a Toronto-based screenwriter and playwright originally from Iran. With a background in dramatic literature from the University of Tehran, her work delves into women’s issues and queer immigrant experiences. Recognized at international festivals like the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and the San Francisco IndieFest, Tala’s plays have been performed in prestigious venues worldwide. Currently, she is a member of the PEN Writers in Exile program and is working on a novel highlighting race, resilience, discrimination, and queer life during World War II. Her stories blend cultural elements with unique supernatural twists, showcasing her rich and diverse creative vision.
Andersson Boscán is an Ecuadorian journalist and co-founder of La Posta, an independent media outlet known for investigative reporting on corruption and organized crime. Now based in Canada, he continues to report on global issues, democracy, and press freedom.
Raffi Minas is a Syrian-Canadian writer, trainer, mentor, and social worker. As an author, he has published a short story collection and a collective novel in Arabic and is currently working on his third book. Since 2006, he has contributed as a playwright, trainer, and actor in various projects across Syria, Lebanon, Canada, and Germany. He is a member of Writers in Exile – PEN Canada and the Syrian Writers Association. In 2023, he was one of three finalists for the Immigrant Distinction Award – Achievement under 35.
Are you a writer in exile?
If you’re interested in showcasing your voice or writing at a future Voices of Freedom event, please contact Gezahegn Mekonnen Demissie at 647-761-7252 or via email at gezishysso@gmail.com.
