Newmag presented the upcoming FRANCOFEST on Armenia TV’s Morning Show (video, photos)

FRANCOFEST will start afternoon and last until late evening. A day full of French content is expected: book presentations, theatrical and music performances: “Arevik” ensemble, Dav Hovhannsiyan, Gorgeouz Beats, Lyoka, and, of course, a new song from Charles Aznavour in Armenian: “Children of this War” At the first Armenian festival of French content, the publishing house will present four new books at once.

According to Artak Aleksanyan, the CEO of the publishing house, such a literary event has never been held in Armenia before. "This is the first French Book Festival in Armenia. Of course, Armenian-French ties have always been close. We remember the Spitak earthquake when France was one of the first responders, Aznavour was the first flagman, and our strong ties continued in the 90s. And if we look at the last five years and these months, we will be convinced. Recently, the mayor of Paris was here trying to bring aid to Artsakh, as well as the deputies of the Senate. The contribution of the Armenian community in France should also be seen as a basis of these relations”.

And now it's time for Armenia to take another step towards literature, introducing the famous names of the modern French literary world, authors who create world bestsellers. “Newmag publishes American literature, as others in Armenia, that's why we decided to come up with such an initiative. Usually, France tries to develop cultural ties, but this time we are taking the initiative”.

Autumn is considered a new season for television and book publishing. The most famous writers in the world present their books starting from September, while this is still a passive period in Armenia, emphasizes Artak Aleksanyan. “And since autumn is considered the most reading season, we decided to combine several of our primary goals: on that day, we will present modern literature, give a boost to the development of French literature in Armenia, and we will also talk and discuss the problems of the field”.

The publishing house had selected the books for the festival months ago, considering their value and the messages that are extremely relevant today. According to the head of the publishing house, this is not just a book festival, this is FRANCOFEST, where French content will be presented, and intermitted by music, courses, and discussions.

That is why there will be several locations in Lovers’ Park. According to Ani Hakobyan, the head of festival programs of Newmag, the festival will start at 11 a.m. and there will be events in different zones. “First, the visitor can buy books at a big discount: new books too, listen to musical performances, enjoy French products from our partner Paul, hear advice about new bank transactions from Acba Bank employees, learn to drive a French Renault car, there will be wine and brandy with French aroma-the products of Ohanyan and Holani”.

The publishing house presents this great literary event together with “Axel Mondrian” and “Boghossian Foundation”. According to Lena Matevosyan, director of the Yerevan Lovers’ Park coordination office, Newmag's offer to hold a festival was accepted with great enthusiasm. “We haven't hosted such a big event for several years. We are excited about every detail, and we are eagerly waiting for that day. We want a French touch to appear in our cozy corner, to create a family and pleasant environment. I have always participated in all publishing festivals. This is another opportunity to discover French literature as well”.

THE PROGRAM OF FRANCOFEST

FRANCOFEST is a conversation about the French content. On that day books about our worries and fears will be presented, and a song about our daily struggles and hard feelings will be premiered. Newmag books and festivals are about the imperative of the day.