Women Talking

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

In the film adaptation of Miriam Toews’ novel Women Talking, director Sarah Polley paints an intimate and powerful portrait of a group of women at a crisis point: after discovering that the men in their ultra-religious Mennonite colony have been systematically drugging and raping them, what do the women do next? Should they leave the colony, their home and community, or stay, and confront their assailants? What ensues is a powerful conversation among the women, about choices and agency. The film’s win for Best Adapted Screenplay at this year’s Academy Awards highlights the extraordinary collaboration between Polley and Toews. Join the author, director, and moderator Devyani Saltzman, for a screening of the film and a conversation about the process of translating literature to a visual medium, creative collaboration, and the philosophical arguments at the center of the story.

Presented in association with the Consulate General of Canada.

The 2023 PEN World Voices Festival is a celebration of world literature and free expression. Over four days, over 100 writers from nearly 30 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.

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]

The Quad Cinema is an ADA compliant venue.

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]

Host or Publisher PEN America