IIt returns for its third year with determination and richness: the EXQUIS mots book festival. This highlight of the cultural programming of the Pays de Saint-Omer agglomeration jointly organized by Barcarolle, the Comédie de l’Aa, the Capso library network, the independent bookstores Alpha B and Mots et Merveilles, with the support of the municipalities of Saint-Omer, Longuenesse, the Department and the Region.
A hell of a lot but that’s what it takes to put together a ten-day festival, from October 3 to 12, throughout the country, with a more than extensive program. If you doubt it, here are five good reasons to turn your head to EXQUISITE words.
1 – Something for reading enthusiasts
20 authors, local and national. “ Discerning readers will certainly find what they enjoy “, guarantees Jean-Claude Philippot, president of the Comédie de l’Aa, thanks to the multiple round tables, meeting sessions and signings, dramatized reading times… “ One of the highlights will be the opening evening Thursday October 3 with the intervention of Delphine Minoui, great Franco-Iranian reporter and author. » His documentary “Daraya, the library under the bombs” will be broadcast – supplemented by his novel The Book Smugglers of Daraya –, returning to friends creating a clandestine library to save works from bombings, at the Italian Theater.
Another highlight: the arrival of France Brel, daughter of Jacques Brel, who works to preserve her heritage, in particular with the writing of a work on her relationship with her father. “ We are already fully booked for this meeting but you can continue to register: we have set up a waiting list », Indicates Fabien Laforge, director of Bapso.
2 – And also for the curious
But casual readers don’t be afraid: you are not forgotten. The ten days will be punctuated by shows and workshops: writing, drawing, comic book creation, manga quizzes… As well as the entire day of October 9 which will be dedicated to stories. The evening, especially, promises an enchanting discovery. “ It will be more than a shared scene, let’s say a show where the stories intertwine. They will all revolve around the theme of the lost child. We obviously think of Little Thumb but it’s not just him », explains Tony Havart, member of the Conteurs de Campagne collective who will be on stage.
« We are all aware that reading, and books in general, is a very important, essential cultural vector. Our goal is to promote itexplains Jean-Claude Philippot. This is why we pay attention to highlighting different generations, different literary genres, different forms. » If we had to sum up EXQUISITE words in two words, it would be “accessible” and “family friendly”.
3 – Youth, a core target
In the same vein, this is why the festival will also take place in schools. “ We want to reach out to the least obvious readers, such as young people. We want to encourage them to read in more fun ways. » Hence origami and sushi activities, as well as a space entirely dedicated to young people on Saturday October 5 in the foyer room of the Moulin à Café. On the program: readings, exhibition of dreamlike works by Rebecca Dautremer, library area, games and meetings.
But reaching out to young people also means going to schools. Friday October 4, numerous interventions will take place in the schools of Saint-Omer and Longuenesse, but also in more rural communes such as Serques, Houlle, Bayenghem-lès-Éperlecques, Campagne-lès-Wardrecques, Thiembronne… In all, ten classes, from kindergarten to high school, will benefit from visits from authors.
Without forgetting the arrival of Little Brown Bear all day Saturday…
4 – A traveling festival
Although many of the festival’s activities will take place at the MAC, one should not believe that EXQUIS mots is sedentary. See you at the Média’Tour de Longuenesse on Saturday October 12. That day, comics and mangas will be in the spotlight with the presence of Grisfx, Eliot Vandenheede, Pierre-Roland Saint-Dizier and Toan. It even seems that, if you come in Cosplay (disguise of a pop culture hero), you will be entitled to a free drink…
And as this pharaonic program was not enough, know that from October to December, EXQUIS mots will continue to spread through the media libraries of the Bapso network during meetings with Laurent Fayeulle and Karine Deraedt.
5 – A 100% free event
As good news never comes alone, know that the entire EXQUIS mots festival is free. Only certain workshops and round tables require a reservation. You will find all the information and the program at Barcarolle (on site and on its website), Bapso and Média’Tour, the Alpha B and Mots et Merveilles bookstores.
See you in the aisles of the festival!
