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African Literature Reclaims Its Space at Lausanne Book Fair
🇨🇭 Switzerland /Culture & Society

African Literature Reclaims Its Space at Lausanne Book Fair

From Le Temps · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • African literature is making a significant return to Lausanne through the first edition of the International Festival of African Book and Arts (Filaa).
  • The festival, part of the Lausanne Afro Fusions Festival (LAFF), aims to increase the visibility of African and Afro-descendant authors from French-speaking Switzerland.
  • Filaa was established to fill a gap, as previous cultural events in Lausanne had focused on various African arts but not literature.

African literature is making a powerful comeback in Lausanne with the inaugural International Festival of African Book and Arts (Filaa). This new event, running alongside the Lausanne Afro Fusions Festival (LAFF), is dedicated to amplifying the presence of African and Afro-descendant authors from French-speaking Switzerland.

The LAFF, known for showcasing diverse facets of African cultures including music, comedy, cuisine, and dance, had previously overlooked literature. Filaa's creation directly addresses this omission, fulfilling a long-held ambition of its director, Tidiane Diouwara.

This year, a new branch fills this gap with the arrival, during the day, of the International Festival of African Book and Arts (Filaa).

— Festival organizersDescribing the addition of the Filaa festival to the Lausanne Afro Fusions Festival.

The festival's emergence marks a significant moment, particularly following the disappearance of a previous book fair. Filaa now provides a dedicated platform, ensuring that the literary voices of the African diaspora in the region receive the visibility they deserve.

An idea that had been brewing in the mind of its director Tidiane Diouwara for some time.

— Festival organizersExplaining the origin of the Filaa festival.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Temps in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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