In Yerevan, as in Paris: Francofest International Book and Art Festival to Be Held for the Third Time (Video)

The highlight of this year’s Francofest will be the presentation of the Armenian edition of the book selected by Armenia’s Goncourt National Jury. Last year, Newmag, together with the International Organisation of La Francophonie, the Goncourt Academy, the Embassy of France in Armenia, the French Institute, the French University in Armenia, and the Aznavour Foundation, officially announced the creation of the Armenian Goncourt Jury during the festival.

Now, for the first time, Armenia will present its own Goncourt Prize laureate alongside 49 other countries. The presentation of Armenia’s winning title will take place during Francofest 2025. Earlier this spring, 30 French-speaking students from Yerevan State University, Bryusov State University, and the French University in Armenia selected the winning book. The festival will also announce the names of the 30 students who will form next year’s national jury and choose the 2026 Armenian Goncourt laureate.

At Francofest 2025, Newmag will present four new French-language titles, including two Goncourt Prize winners and a novel by a member of the Goncourt Academy.

The featured titles include:

• “And the Children After Them” by Nicolas Mathieu, winner of the 2018 Prix Goncourt, a vivid depiction of a generation growing up in France’s industrial heartland.
• “Jacaranda” by Gaël Faye, the Armenian Goncourt Prize winner, exploring themes of identity, history, and reconciliation.
• “My Little Husband” by Pascal Bruckner, philosopher, author, and member of the Goncourt Academy, a witty and philosophical novel about masculinity and modern relationships.
• “The Baltimore Book” by Joël Dicker, the long-awaited sequel to the international bestseller “The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair”.

The main guest of the festival will be Pascal Bruckner, who will personally present his book and take part in an onstage conversation.

The opening ceremony of Francofest 2025 will feature live music by the Folk Quartet, known for its innovative fusion of Armenian folk with jazz, creating a sound where traditional melodies meet improvisation and rhythmic modernity.

Throughout the day, visitors will also enjoy performances by the Mavi Band, which returns to the festival with a renewed lineup and repertoire, featuring French classics and Aznavour-inspired melodies. Their playlist will include several Aznavour songs translated into Armenian by Newmag and performed by well-known Armenian singers.

In the educational section, a special panel discussion titled “Continuous Education in Armenia and France” will be held, initiated by the Armenian-French Zenith Academy Foundation. The foundation offers over 300 educational programs for individuals aged 18 to 60, helping them acquire new skills and enter the job market. The discussion, moderated by Hasmik Sargsyan, Executive Director of Zenith Academy, will feature Hakob Azhamyan, co-founder of Zenith Academy; Ruben Hayrapetyan, co-founder of Matena Leadership School; and Gevorg Poghosyan, director of reArmenia.

For the first time, Maison Marom Group of Companies joins Francofest as an official partner. Operating in the lifestyle and cultural industries, Maison Marom’s mission is “to turn business into cultural heritage.” Their participation reflects the festival’s goal of fostering dialogue between art, culture, and entrepreneurship, where language, creativity, and freedom of thought meet innovation.

The literary and theatrical program will include a discussion ahead of the grand premiere of Amélie Nothomb’s “Blue Beard”, directed by Hrach Keshishyan. The novel was first published in Armenian by Newmag during Francofest 2023. Director Keshishyan, singer and actress Mane Grigoryan, and actors Arsen Grigoryan and Narine Petrosyan will speak about the upcoming Armenian stage adaptation of Nothomb’s modern fairy tale.

The main sponsor of Francofest 2025 is ACBA Bank, supporting the event for the third consecutive year. Represented by ACBA Financial Group and ACBA Leasing, the bank unites Armenian and French business cultures and has been a dedicated supporter of Francophone projects. In 2023, ACBA collaborated with Newmag on the Armenian publication of Charles Aznavour’s works, fully translating and releasing the legendary artist’s literary and musical heritage with the support of Amundi-ACBA Asset Management.

Cinema Star Armenia also continues its partnership as a main sponsor, joined by Karas Wines and Maison Marom.

Francofest 2025 once again promises to transform Yerevan into a center of Francophone culture, a place where literature, music, education, and art come together to celebrate the enduring bond between Armenia and the French-speaking world.