Every year, at the end of June, the Festival du Journal Intime offers two days of readings, artistic proposals and meetings. Organized outdoors in a 3000 m² orchard, this unique festival takes place in the heart of Saint-Gildas de Rhuys, a Breton village on the edge of mer, located in Morbihan. It is the only festival dedicated exclusively to the diary.
The festival is run by a dynamic team of eight people and supported by around twenty volunteers. This territorial project mobilizes the entire village, with the participation of local associations and traders.
It pursues a double objective, both cultural and educational, aiming to transmit values of simplicity, proximity, diversity and transmission. Supported by a non-profit association under the 1901 law, the Association du Festival du Journal Intime, the event reflects a strong societal commitment by being accessible to all, without distinction.
Over the years, the festival has hosted many prestigious guests, such as Pierre Arditi, Ariane Ascaride, Aure Atika, Sophia Aram, Marie-Christine Barrault, Sandrine Bonnaire, Anne Brochet, Cécile Brune, Jane Birkin, Camille Chamoux, Claire Chazal, Camille Cottin, Fanny Cottençon, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Jean- Michel Djian, Blandine de Caunes, Jean-Pierre Guéno, Samir Guesmi, Daniel Herrero, Nora Hamzawi, Clotilde Hesme, Selena Hernandez, Gérard Holtz, Jean-Noël Jeanneney, Justine Lévy, Nicolas Maury, Muriel Mayette-Holtz, Laurent Natrella, Emmanuel Noblet, Erik Orsenna, Mazarine Pingeot, Denis Podalydès, Loik Peyron, Caroline Proust, Claude Sérillon, Jean Teulé, Erik Truffaz, Alex Vizorek and Michel Winock.
During the festival, several highlights: several readings of extracts from diaries are planned. Visitors will be able to discover the intimate writings of Hélène Berr, as well as those of Alma Mahler accompanied by music. The assize diary of Me Bonaggiunta, the stories of Pierre Loti and Serpouhi Hovaghian, presented as a duo, will also enrich the program.
A conference will be given by Jean-Noël Jeanneney who will explore the war diary by Jean Zay, offering historical and personal insights into this important figure.
Ahead of the festival, Fleur Bourrée organizes workshops My graphic journal for CM1 and CM2 pupils from the local school, allowing them to learn the art of graphic journaling. During the festival, workshops open to all are offered: a graphic workshop and a writing workshop led respectively by Fleur Bourrée and Camille Génié, offering creative methods for keeping a diary.
Below, the complete program :
Photo credits: Festival du Journal Intime
