At BDFIL in Lausanne, the 20th Edition Flows with Water

Lausanne's cultural landscape is abuzz with the 20th edition of BDFIL, the city's celebrated comic festival, this year elegantly themed around 'water,' a vital source of life. The festival's visual identity, captured in a captivating poster by the esteemed guest of honor, Mirion Malle—a prominent figure in feminist and engaged Franco-Belgian comics—invites attendees to an aquatic escape. The artwork portrays a young woman offering a comic book to a striking naiad, set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Geneva, lush pastures, and the snow-capped Alps.

This year's BDFIL unfolds at the Plateforme 10, a dynamic cultural hub that impressively unites the Musée cantonal des beaux-arts (MCBA), Photo Elysée, and the mudac. While the Plateforme 10 is undeniably a success, drawing crowds even under the April sun, it presents a curious paradox. The expansive space, despite its artistic vibrancy, evokes a sense of aridness, reminiscent of Tintin's "thirsty land" from "The Crab with the Golden Claws." The absence of any water features, let alone trees to provide much-needed shade, is a notable oversight, making the festival's water theme all the more poignant.

Fortunately, BDFIL itself provides the refreshing oasis that the surrounding environment lacks. The festival's commitment to celebrating the art of comic storytelling, particularly through the lens of an artist like Mirion Malle, offers a welcome respite. Malle's reputation for her feminist and socially conscious work resonates deeply within the spirit of contemporary artistic expression, making her the ideal curator of this year's theme. Her contribution ensures that the festival is not just an exhibition but a thoughtful exploration of themes relevant to our times, all centered around the life-giving element of water.