Francofest-2025 International Festival and Goncourt Armenia to Take Place in Yerevan in Mid-November (Photos)

David Tursz, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of France in Armenia and Executive Director of the French Institute in Armenia, emphasized that Francofest remains the only festival in Armenia fully dedicated to Francophone literature.

“It is very important for us to cooperate with Francofest. Last year, with the initiative and participation of the French University in Armenia, we launched the Armenian selection of the Goncourt Prize,” Tursz said at a press conference held at Armenpress.

He explained that the Prix Goncourt is the most prestigious literary award in the French-speaking world, a prize recognized far beyond Francophone countries. “Armenia’s participation is significant because it allows Armenian readers to discover contemporary, award-winning French literature,” Tursz noted.

There are now national Goncourt juries in more than 40 countries. Since last year, Armenia has joined this network. The principle is the same everywhere: a jury of Francophone students reads eight books selected by the Goncourt Academy and chooses one winner.

In Armenia, students from Yerevan State University, Bryusov State University, and the French University in Armenia take part in the selection process. Earlier this year, the Armenian jury named Gaël Faye’s novel “Jacaranda” as the winning book. The Armenian translation of Jacaranda, published by Newmag, will be officially presented at Francofest 2025.

Tursz highlighted that Armenia’s inclusion in the “Goncourt family” makes it part of a worldwide literary dialogue: “Through this, we also get to know Armenian readers better, how they perceive and evaluate literature.”

Artak Aleksanyan, founder and head of Newmag, noted that it’s no coincidence Gaël Faye’s Jacaranda has been chosen as the winner in more than 25 countries. “One reason is probably that the author is not only a writer but also a well-known singer. Young people recognize him, and it’s not surprising that his book resonated with Armenian readers as well,” Aleksanyan said.

According to Aleksanyan, translating contemporary literature is essential not only for readers but also for the growth of Armenia’s literary ecosystem. “The Francofest International Festival is an important platform to explore modern Francophone literature, new literary movements, creative technologies, and the ideas shaping Europe’s literary scene today,” he added.

He emphasized that Armenia’s participation in the Goncourt initiative is important on three levels, for readers, who gain access to high-quality, award-winning works; for writers, who can observe global literary trends; and for the publishing industry, which benefits from greater international exchange. Aleksanyan also presented the four new titles that will be unveiled at Francofest 2025, including two Goncourt-winning novels.

• Nicolas Mathieu’s “And Their Children After Them”, a sweeping portrait of the 1990s that won the 2018 Prix Goncourt.
• Gaël Faye’s “Jacaranda”, the Goncourt Armenia selection of 2024.
• Pascal Bruckner’s “My Little Husband”, the French philosopher and novelist will visit Armenia for the second time to present the Armenian edition of his book. (Bruckner, known for his pro-Armenian views, was a member of the Goncourt Academy during last year’s festival.)
• Joël Dicker’s “The Baltimore Book”, by the celebrated Swiss Francophone author best known for The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair, already a favorite among Armenian readers.

Aleksanyan also announced that, alongside book presentations, the festival will feature panel discussions on education and business, as well as a special theatrical discussion of Amélie Nothomb’s “Blue Beard”, published at Francofest 2023. The novella is being adapted for the stage by Hrach Keshishyan at the Armenian State Song Theatre, with a conversation to be held with the director, stage team, and lead actors before the premiere.

In addition to literary events, Francofest 2025 will include live performances of classical and French music, a concert, and a book fair with special discounts on Newmag titles. Admission to all events is free.

The festival is made possible through the support of its long-term partners. ACBA Bank continues its partnership for the third year, with Cinema Star Armenia as the main sponsor. Other key partners include the Embassy of France in Armenia, the French Institute, the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, the French University in Armenia, the Aznavour Foundation, Karas Wines, and the Maison Marom group of companies.