The Nantes science fiction festival closed its doors on Sunday evening, November 3, after four days of excitement in the alleys of the convention center. The 25e edition of the Utopiales reached record attendance this year, with 153,000 festival-goers, compared to 141,000 last year.
291 speakers from Europe, America and Asia took part, around a program combining science, literature, art and games. With 137 conferences, thirteen exhibitions and headliners like Alain Damasio, Catherine Dufour, John Scalzi, Marion Montaigne and Ram V.
Seven tons of books sold
Despite a big disappointment to digest for the organizers and for the fans: the cancellation, at the last moment, of the arrival of the star guest of the edition, the American illustrator Emil Ferris. Science fiction (SF) fans flocked to many stands.
The festival bookstore, the largest SF bookstore in France, was always full: volume II of Emil Ferris’ bestseller, What I like is monsters, was also offered in preview in its French version, before its national release on Friday November 8. Seven tons of books were sold during these Utopiales.
Full box for board games
Also among the tops is the games area for festival-goers. As for board games, the Harmonies game (published by Libellud) won over festival-goers. As well as the murder party (kind of role-playing games based on an investigation) organized by Projets R.
On Sunday, the Extraordinary Prize was awarded to the researcher and writer of the imagination Francis Berthelot.
This Monday, November 4, 1,800 students are expected for the school morning, which will further extend the pleasure and Harmony, the theme of this 25e edition.
