The annual Sydney Writers Festival is upon us, showcasing authors, creators and thinkers from Australia and around the world. Each year the festival grows bigger and more exciting, pushing its own boundaries further when it comes to tackling diverse, unusual and controversial topics in ways that make you think – like, really think. Here are the best events to catch this weekend.

Elaine Welteroth On Editing Teen Vogue

Elaine Welteroth is not only the youngest ever editor of Teen Vogue but the first African American to hold an editorial position at media powerhouse Condé Nast. Under Welteroth’s guidance, Teen Vogue began covering topics beyond fashion and beauty, touching on feminism, politics and social awareness. She’ll be chatting to Julia Turner, editor-in-chief of Slate, about her role at Teen Vogue and the publication’s teenage audience.

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25 Years Of Looking For Alibrandi: Have A Say Day

To celebrate the 25^th anniversary of beloved Australian novel Looking For Alibrandi, author Melina Marchetta, actress Pia Miranda, and others including Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Mark Di Stefano and Gen Fricker will come together to “unleash their inner Josies” by recreating the famous ‘Have A Say Day’ scene from the novel. This is one for anyone who read this book (or watched the film on repeat) during their teen years!

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Lion: A Long Way Home

One of the most critically acclaimed films of 2016, Lion was based on the autobiographical novel A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley, an Indian Australian man who managed to trace his hometown and family, reuniting with his mother after being separated for 25 years. Saroo and his adoptive mother Sue Brierley will speak about their experiences with SBS journalist Janice Peterson.

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John Safran: Depends What You Mean By Extremist

John Safran is a man who needs no introduction. His documentaries, TV series and books have continued to push boundaries, stir controversy, and allow a unique insight into countless facets of society, religion and counter-culture. In conversation with Sally Warhaft, Safran will talk about his latest book, from personal experiences with extremism in many forms (including ISIS, white nationalists and anarchists), Australian politics and beyond.

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Betoota Advocate: Australia’s Oldest And Favourite Newspaper

Hailing from the outback Queensland ghost town of Betoota, The Betoota Advocate is, without doubt, Australia’s oldest and favourite newspaper. Or, y’know, Australia’s favourite satirical website. Either way, it grows bigger and better every week, with biting social commentary and hilarious reportage delivered via sharp, witty satire. Website founders Errol Parker and Clancy Overell will open up about the rise of the Betoota Advocate, in conversation with Triple J presenter Lewis Hobba.

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All The Girls To The Front

One of several feminist-focused talks at SWF 2017, this panel will see Jan Fran speaking to Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Clementine Ford and Tracey Spicer about feminism in the literary world and their experiences as feminist writers today, at a time where millions of women are raising their voices to speak out against politicians like Donald Trump. The panel will look at their missions to take action and make a real difference to the world surrounding them.

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Feature image: Elaine Welteroth/Sydney Writers Festival

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 The Sydney Writers Festival runs from May 22 – 28 across Sydney City, Randwick, Parramatta, and many other locations. Find the full program, tickets and more info here.