The 38e edition of the Tunis International Book Fair (Filt) opened its doors on April 19 at the Kram Exhibition Center, bringing together a crowd of reading lovers and book professionals from all over Tunisia and beyond . With Italy as guest of honor, this edition highlights the richness and diversity of Mediterranean culture, offering visitors a wide range of literary discoveries.
Upon entry, visitors are amazed by the immensity of certain pavilions, which seem to have gone all out to mark their presence at the fair. Books for all ages and tastes are present, from classic literature to popular novels, including comics and children’s books.
However, confides Oubay, a 10-year-old boy, “it is not always easy to find what you are looking for. There are plenty of books for toddlers and adults, but not enough for kids my age.” An observation shared by some parents who regret the lack of children’s books, suitable for pre-teens.
In addition to the stands of bookstores and publishing houses, the fair also welcomes institutions and organizations which highlight their know-how and their contributions to the promotion of culture and books. This is the case at the Ministry of Defense stand, where Staff Sergeant Haythem Feidi passionately explains the work of the National Center for Mapping and Remote Sensing. “Our work is essential for the economic development of the regions,” he underlines, showing elaborate maps produced for Tunisian and foreign clients.
But between two departments, one observation stands out: smartphones are omnipresent. Even booksellers and publishers, although at the heart of this world of paper, sometimes seem captivated by their screens. The frenzy of the digital world spares no one, even in this haven of culture. Despite this omnipresence of technologies, Filt remains a place for meetings and exchanges. Indeed, the international dimension of the fair is also remarkable. This year, Iran, Turkey, France, Great Britain and Russia are among the invited countries, each presenting a selection of their best authors and publishers. The Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia, Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr, present on April 23, did not fail to praise the quality of the event and the importance of culture in bringing people together. The 38e edition of the Tunis International Book Fair is not just about the sale of books. A rich and varied cultural program accompanies the event throughout the ten days, with literary meetings, signing sessions, conferences, tributes and workshops specially designed for children and young people.
With more than 109,000 titles on display and a dense cultural program, the book fair attracts thousands of visitors each year. For the youngest readers, special programming has been designed. Around 280 workshops are dedicated to them, allowing them to marvel at the magic of stories, learn about literary creation or immerse themselves in educational games.
This year, the attendance seems particularly large, in particular because of the current events in the region. The Palestine stand, for example, is very successful, reflecting the public’s interest in the Palestinian cause and its history.
