The Forbidden Planet International Blog Log

A couple of days ago we reported, admittedly rather belatedly, that the Angoulême Festival organisers had run into a bit of trouble in financing the next edition of the festival.  A dispute with the local government on who should pay for the construction of the festival tents lead to a huge gap in the organisation’s budget.  The story was indeed picked up by some, and was criticised (with some grounds) by others.

In the mean time some new developments have occurred; according to a report last week in the Nouvelle Observateur, at least the festival’s press conference, which traditionally precedes the actual festival with about two months, will take place on December 4th.  Angoulême mayor Philippe Lavaud in the mean time has repeatedly confirmed that the city will indeed keep up its financial support for the festival (which amounts to a whopping million Euro’s on a total budget of 3.5 million).  In the same article, Benoît Mouchart, artistic director for the festival, confirms that the Festival will take place early next year as usual, on January 28th to 31st, 2010 :

“We will not hold a discounted edition. Whatever happens, there is no question of cutting down on the exhibitions. All events have been scheduled for several months, and most of them have been under construction since the summer. I am not worried about this issue, what bothers me is the  improvisation by the mayor, this sudden decision to speak in the local press, which suggests that the BD is not a priority for this city.

Furthermore, we have nothing against the mayor of Angoulême, this is not a problem of personalities. In any case, the trouble did not start today. I found a letter from Pierre Pascal, festival director in the 80s, which was addressed to cartoonist Greg: he was already complaining of problems with the infrastructure, technical problems, lack of hotels to accommodate sponsors, exhibitors and visitors…

We can’t ask publishers for a contribution – it’s unthinkable, as it is already expensive enough for them, with the booths, bringing in their authors, taking care of lodgings.  The infamous technical services that the council suddenly wants to cut down on, especially target the New York tent, which hosts the small and independent publishers, those most vulnerable. After so many years, I am concerned that the BD is no longer a priority for this city. ”

In the mean time, Sud Ouest is quoted by ActuaBD on some happier news for the festival.  TheHigh Commission for Youth Affairs, which is chaired by Martin Hirsch, is said to reinstate a subsidy to the Festival which was scrapped for last year’s edition.   High Commissioner Martin Hirsch promises further financial assistance “between 55,000 and 75,000 €” which had been previously suppressed by the former Ministry of Youth and Sports.  Furthermore, the paper also states that “The community of Greater Angoulême, whose annual grant to FIBD rises to € 55,200, expressed readiness to make an effort under certain conditions. ”

Like the French would say, le festival n’aura pas lieu.  And all this may turn out to be much like a storm in a teacup.  Or in a glass of wine, if you must. At least its a relief to know the 2010 festival will be business as usual.