Thiruvananthapuram: The Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL'25) will witness an extraordinary tale of love and reconciliation as Jewish-German couple Gaby van Santen and Uwe von Seltman take the stage in Kanakakunnu from February 6-9.

In 2006, Gaby van Santen, a Polish artist, and Uwe von Seltman, a German writer, met in a pub in the ancient city of Kraków, Poland. Gabi was preparing to write a book. “What are you writing about?” Uwe asked. “It’s about my grandfather. He was a Nazi soldier in Auschwitz.” After a moment of silence, Uwe replied: “My grandfather was killed in the Nazi camp in Auschwitz!”

In that moment, Gaby and Uwe realised they were descendants of both the hunter and the victim, with their families’ histories forever marked by the horrors of history. However, instead of allowing this dark legacy to define them, they chose love over inherited hatred. Their connection grew, and within a year, Gaby and Uwe were married.

Gaby, known for her historical fiction, documentaries, and novels, and Uwe, a writer and filmmaker grappling with the actions of his grandfather, share a common mission: to promote healing, dialogue, and understanding. Their work is a testament to the power of forgiveness and the possibility of reconciliation in the face of even the darkest chapters of history.

At MBIFL 2025, Gaby and Uwe will present their works, share their personal journey, and discuss the profound role of forgiveness in overcoming historical trauma. Their appearance at the festival promises to add a deeply moving layer to the event, offering a powerful message of love and healing for all who attend.

To register and find out more, visit MBIFL website.