“We don’t call it a festival and not a fair for nothing,” emphasizes Anna Jouchoux, the new commissioner of the Fête du livre (see elsewhere).
A celebration which will be punctuated by various activities such as the BD Battle, performances, cartoon concerts or even workshops, and which will welcome many prestigious authors.
Philippe Besson, patron of this 38th edition
After Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt last year, this 38th edition will once again have a renowned patron with Philippe Besson, playwright, screenwriter, literary critic, television host and writer.
“Author of around twenty novels, including His brother et Stop with your lies have been adapted for cinema, he will present his latest novel A summer eveninginspired by a real story,” explains Anna Jouchoux.
Marie Pavlenko as godmother, Pierre Gagnaire as guest of honor
This edition will also be marked by the presence of Marie Pavlenko, godmother of the 11th Words on Stage festival, under the Magic Mirrors marquee.
“Actors who show and hear excerpts from novels,” emphasizes Marc Chassaubéné, deputy for culture in the city of Saint-Étienne.
Author of works of children’s literature, young adult literature, poetry and novels, Marie Pavlenko will perform with a musical reading with a cellist.
One of the most starred chefs in the world, Pierre Gagnaire, will be the guest of honor at this Book Festival. He returns to his land to present his new work, A life in the kitchen.
Publishers place Dorian and new locations
The Book Festival extends to the different squares of the city center with a few small changes this year.
Usually located at Place Dorian, the Manufacture des savoirs (sciences, ecology, feminism, etc.) will be located near the big top and the debate area, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville.
This Manufacture dedicated to the human and social sciences will highlight comics. Visitors will be able to come and meet Bruno David, Manon Gauthier-Faure or even Stéphanois Deloupy, author ofLove and sex in the promised land.
For its part, Place Dorian will bring together Saint-Etienne publishers as well as the Lire à Saint-Étienne marquee. Place Chavanelle remains dedicated to the youth space. While the booksellers and Mots en scène will remain on Place Jean-Jaurès.
From manga to Armenia
The big top will offer a stand dedicated to French and European mangakas.
Marc Chassaubéné also wanted to highlight “the international opening of this 38th edition” with the invitation from the city of Kapan in Armenia, twinned with Saint-Étienne: “A delegation from Kapan will participate in the Festival of book in order to better understand Armenia and its current affairs. »
A stable budget: 765,000 euros
What does not change is the budget of the event which will be around 765,000 euros.
In the meantime, the people of Saint-Etienne will discover in the streets the posters created by the Saint-Etienne illustrator and comic strip author, Eric Bourgier: “I wanted to make reference to art nouveau and recall with the colors the period in which the Book Festival takes place, autumn.”
Enough to wait until the kickoff of this 38th edition which will be given on October 11.
Anna Jouchoux, new curator of the Book Festival
Part of the city for the Drac (Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs) of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Axelle Redon was replaced by Anna Jouchoux as commissioner of the Book Festival.
The latter joined the team four years ago: “I worked for more than 15 years in the publishing world, including more than 10 years at Delcourt. I joined the city 4 years ago, first as a logistics manager for authors. And for the last two years, I was responsible for comics and youth programming.”
She believes she was able to add her touch in this 38th edition: “We are a team of five people and we have great freedom. »
