Mi chiamo Amilca Ismael.
I am an Italian-Mozambican writer, born in Lourenço Marques - the current Maputo - in Mozambique, and I have been an Italian citizen by marriage since 1986.
My writing stems from the meeting of two worlds: the Africa of my origins and the Europe of experience. In my stories, memory, emotion and civic engagement coexist in a continuous dialogue between past and present.
I made my debut in 2008 with the novel The House of Memories, followed by Nadia's story (2010), Ephemeral freedom (2014) e The Appearance (2020).
My new novel, Voices of Silence, is completed and currently under evaluation for publication by several publishing houses.
It is an intense work that recounts contemporary Mozambique with a look of hope and denunciation, giving a voice to those who often have none.
Over the years, I have participated in interviews in newspapers, radio and television, both in Italy and abroad.
Among the most significant experiences was my participation in the programme At the foot of Kilimanjaro with Licia Colò at RAI 3.
My books have been recommended by Maria Grazia Capulli under the heading Achab Books of TG2 and by Vladimir Luxuria during the Turin and Rome Book Fair.
I receive several awards that honour me and encourage me to continue on this path of writing and witnessing:
- Simply Woman Literary Prize“ (Catania, 2010) - on the occasion of the World Day Against Violence Against Women;
- International Woman of the Year Award“ (Italian-speaking Switzerland, 2010) - for social commitment;
- Human Rights Award (Naples, 2011);
- Grand Jury Recognition and Merit to the International Prize “Cultural integration through literature” (Milan, 2012).
They are honorary member of Kiwanis - Serving the Children of the World,
member of Núcleo Académico de Letras e Artes de Lisboa,
honorary member of Círculo de Escritores Moçambicanos na Diáspora
e councillor by Literarte - Associação Internacional de Escritores e Artistas do Brasil.
My works are translated into Portuguese, English and Spanish, This confirms a literary voice that crosses languages, cultures and borders to recount the human being in his truth and dignity.