The International Federation of Translators (FIT) is sad to announce the passing of renown Cuban poet, writer and translator, Julia Calzadilla, winner of the Federation’s Astrid Lindgren Prize for Translation of Children’s Literature in 2014, as informed by her home association, the Cuban Association of Translators and Interpreters (ACTI).
Internationally acclaimed and awarded, Julia also earned Cuba’s National Culture award (1996), the Juan Ortega Gatell Award (ESTI, 1999) for the Best Professional of the Year, and the Gitana Tropical (Havana Provincial Directorate of Culture, 2002), awarded for her outstanding contribution to Cuban culture.
Born in Havana, she graduated in Art History from the University of Havana, and worked as a text and literary translator, as well as a simultaneous interpreter into Spanish from English, French, Italian and Portuguese, at national and international events.
FIT celebrates her creative spirit and her extensive contribution to the profession. She will be sadly missed by her FIT and ACTI colleagues, family and friends.