Angoulême Comics Festival Future Entrusted to Organizer of Francofolies

A significant shift is underway for the prestigious Angoulême International Comics Festival (FIBD), as reported by Le Figaro. After two decades under the management of 9e Art+, the organization has been replaced by Groupe Morgane, a company known for managing the Francofolies music festival and the Printemps de Bourges. This change, effective from 2027, comes after a period of intense criticism from the comic book community against the former organizer's stewardship.

The decision to replace 9e Art+ was made by the Association pour le développement de la BD à Angoulême (ADBDA), an entity tasked by public authorities to oversee the festival's future following the cancellation of the 2026 event. The ADBDA selected Groupe Morgane's project from four proposals, citing its alignment with the industry's expectations for artistic rigor, diverse aesthetics, and a central role for creators. This move is seen as a response to a "massive revolt" by comic artists who had expressed strong dissatisfaction with 9e Art+'s management.

Notably, 9e Art+ has initiated legal action against the ADBDA, as their contract was set to run until 2027. The cancellation of the 2026 festival and its replacement with a "Grand Off" event marked a low point, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic. The festival's artistic director, Marie Parisot, and founder Céline Bagot, will lead the new organizing team, bringing their experience from prominent publishing houses and festivals.

From a French perspective, the Angoulême festival is more than just an event; it's a cornerstone of the national cultural landscape and a global benchmark for the comic art form. The strong reaction from artists underscores the deep passion and commitment within the French and European comics community. The emphasis on artistic integrity and creator rights in the selection of Groupe Morgane reflects a desire to reaffirm the festival's core values and ensure its continued relevance and prestige, moving past the controversies that marred its recent history.