“My homeland is the French language,” said Albert Camus, whose centenary birth anniversary is being celebrated this year. Amin MAALOUF of the Académie française is the honorary president of this 18th edition held under the artistic direction of Franz-Olivier GIESBERT. More than 200 authors will be featured at the festival. The Book Festival kicks off the cultural festivities of “Nice 2013, the capital of Francophonie.”
The Book Festival will be held this year in the old town, in three emblematic locations of the city’s history: Pierre Gautier Square, Cours Saleya, and the Palace of Justice Square.
The event is under the symbol of Francophonie and is shared among all those who have the French language in common. A language without borders with the guiding theme: Opening the windows of the world.
Nice is on the Mediterranean coast, and the artistic director evokes the long, very long history between this city and writers. They have sung about it, described it, loved it, and some have adopted it. We will think of Raoul Mille, now gone, and his name will resonate to pay tribute to him.
The festival has been crowned from the beginning by a prize that rewards a literary work. This year, Valérie Tong Cuong is the laureate with “L’atelier des Miracles” published by Jean Claude Lattès. A story between the watchmaking workshop, a worn-out professor, a former soldier, and a wall, that of existence.
The festival is shared between literary cafés, debates, round tables, meetings at the Mediterranean University Center, and of course the presence of about 200 writers coming to meet their audience.
It is Amin Maalouf who will preside over this festival. “Words bring us together,” he tells us. We easily understand his message, that of a man torn between his roots (Lebanon) and France, immortal since June 23, 2011. Words thrown to the wind bring us together as long as they are messages of peace and tolerance. We will quote to conclude Albert Camus, whose centenary of birth it is, another son of the Mediterranean: “My homeland is the French language.”
So yes, the Book Festival will be in tune with the good words, those of a subtle and rich language, apparently that of diplomats. A colorful festival where the public will discover the beauty of fine phrases, syntax, prose, and poetry.
This festival will take place from June 7 to June 9 for the enjoyment of both the young and the old.
Thierry Jan
