FrancoFest was held with great solemnity and attended by distinguished guests (photos)

The Komitas National Quartet performed the opening chords of the festival.

Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Gnel Nalbandian, Newmag Editor-in-Chief, Sargis Sargsyan, Deputy General Director of ACBA Leasing (the festival's general sponsor), and Anna Davidyan, Head of Luxury Voyage (a festival sponsor), each delivered remarks.

The opening of FrancoFest 2024, the festival celebrating French literature and art, was inaugurated by Deputy Minister Hovhannisyan. "The Francofest festival honors the French language, the Armenian-French ties, and the broader Francophone community. This year, we are honored to announce the national jury for the Goncourt Prize. We are pleased to host writer and philosopher Mr. Pascal Bruckner, along with Francois Rossino, the chief delegate of the Goncourt Academy, here in Armenia."

Bruckner is not only a prominent figure in the literary world but also a passionate advocate for Armenian-French friendship. He has worked tirelessly to strengthen the ties between Armenia and France, demonstrating his commitment to the people of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. "I also wish to thank the French University, the Institute, and the Newmag publishing house for initiating this important event."

Gnel Nalbandian, Editor-in-Chief of Newmag, presented the FrancoFest festival. "This marks the second time the Francophone community has gathered under one roof, and this year it has evolved from a local event into a global celebration.

"At Francofest, we will announce the Armenian jury for the Goncourt Prize. This event is significant for the Armenian people, the literary world, and the art of translation. It offers us the chance to join the Francophone family and appreciate the treasures of French literature.

"I am delighted that the students who will decide the winner of the Armenian Goncourt Prize are present here. This indicates that Armenian students will play a vital role in the future, entering state institutions, public service, and the business sector. They will shape destinies based on the values of French literature, fine art, ethics, and aesthetics."

A key highlight of FrancoFest is the establishment of a National Jury for the prestigious Goncourt Prize in Armenia. After extensive negotiations, this initiative was made possible through the collaboration of Newmag, the French Institute, and the French University in Armenia.

Pascal Bruckner, a member of the Goncourt Academy jury and a renowned contemporary philosopher, emphasized that the founding of the National Goncourt Prize Jury is both a literary event and one of political significance. "France stands with the people of Nagorno-Karabakh in their struggle for survival. When the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh faced siege and starvation, I met with the French president to discuss Armenia and its neighbors and enemies—terms that unfortunately have become synonymous for you.

During that meeting, President Macron expressed that France stands alone in Europe as the only country protecting Armenians, while others are often indifferent or compromised due to gas and oil agreements with Azerbaijan. Should we choose cheap Russian gas that passes through Azerbaijan or support Armenia? This year, along with forty French MPs, intellectuals, and journalists, I met with the French Minister of Defense to discuss military aid to Armenia to counter enemy ambitions. This visit is cultural, but it also carries political and philosophical weight. We are here to ensure that Armenia does not fall victim to its long-standing adversaries."

"The French are not indifferent to Armenia. Anatole France passed away exactly one hundred years ago today; he was a key figure in early twentieth-century literature and politics. France was among the first to support Armenians and initiated the movement of Armenophiles. The bond we share today reflects a continuity of purpose from a century ago."

Olivier Decottignies, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Armenia, also spoke about the deep-rooted love and strong ties between Armenia and France. "The French are not indifferent to Armenia. Anatole France passed away exactly one hundred years ago today; he was a key figure in early twentieth-century literature and politics. France was among the first to support Armenians and initiated the movement of Armenophiles. The bond we share today reflects a continuity of purpose from a century ago."

Sargis Sargsyan, Deputy General Director of ACBA Leasing, the festival's general sponsor, highlighted Newmag's initiative to translate and publish Charles Aznavour's literary works in Armenian. "As ACBA Financial Group, we have supported the publication of these important books. ACBA Leasing has sponsored this festival for the second year running, becoming its general sponsor this year.

"ACBA Leasing is committed to fostering the development and appreciation of literature and reading in Armenia. Today, we will also present the book 'Life Through the Eyes of Charles.' Aznavour, a remarkable Armenian, and a great Frenchman left behind a rich literary legacy, providing a unique opportunity to explore our compatriot's worldview—an art that represents not only our pride but also Armenian culture on the global stage."

Anna Davidyan, Head of the Luxury Voyage, emphasized the importance of Armenian-French cultural ties. "As a tourist company, we prioritize the development of cultural connections. We are eager to enhance Armenian-French relations in Armenia and France in collaboration with Newmag publishing house."

The festival also introduced the Armenian jury for the Goncourt Prize, composed of students from three Armenian universities: YSU, Brusov University, and the UFAR. They will read the works of the eight prize winners chosen by the Goncourt Academy, write reviews, and select their candidates.

Artak Aleksanyan, Head of Newmag, noted that the establishment of the Goncourt Prize in Armenia reflects the high-level political dialogue between Armenia and France. "The dialogue, support, and cooperation in the political and economic realms must be mirrored in the cultural sphere. The Goncourt Prize serves as a key indicator of this connection. Literature unites us through its beauty and language, offering insight into human experiences.

Victor Hugo once said, "Freedom begins where ignorance ends." This sentiment embodies the spirit of our festival, encouraging us to open our minds and broaden our horizons through languages, ideas, and stories. Today, we draw inspiration from a living classic, one of modern France's philosophers, who said, "Hope motivates us to live; discouragement motivates us to create."

This thought reminds us that literature is a reflection of our world, fueled by hope. Through books, we explore new places, discover new ideas, and uncover inner feelings that might otherwise remain hidden. This festival gathers those who seek to explore the human soul—readers, writers, thinkers, and dreamers. Today's event is particularly significant as it marks the historic establishment of the Goncourt's Armenian jury. This initiative demonstrates that the literary traditions of Armenia and France are being strengthened, bridging two cultures rich in storytelling. The Goncourt Prize has long symbolized the pinnacle of French literature, making the establishment of the Armenian jury a recognition of the essence of French literary heritage."

The opening ceremony was followed by five book presentations and three panel discussions. At the conclusion of the event, the head of the publishing house announced the exciting news: FrancoFest has officially become an international festival.

Partners

·       Embassy of France in Armenia, 

·       French Institute 

·       French University of Armenia

·       Aznavour Foundation

General Sponsor

·       Acba Leasing

Sponsors

·       Yerevan Brandy Company

·       Infinity Travel Armenia by Luxury Voyage

·       AUF

 Media Partners  

·       Courrier d'Erevan,

·       Nouvelles d'Arménie