"One of the world's biggest comics festivals, which draws top graphic novelists and cartoonists each year, was close to cancellation on Wednesday after publishers pulled their support and the French government piled pressure on organisers. The Angoulême International Comics Festival, held in January-February in the southwestern city, hands out annual prizes that are among the most coveted in the industry. READ MORE: Bande dessinée: Why do the French love comic books so much?"
"On Tuesday, the French government withdrew €200,000 of public subsidies for next year's event, putting a major hole in its finances before the scheduled start on January 29th. Culture Minister Rachida Dati said she wanted to avoid the festival "becoming a disaster starting with the 2026 edition." Boycott calls At the heart of the scandal is the management model of the festival, which was first created in 1974 and has helped turn Angoulême into a centre of European production and comics expertise."
Angoulême International Comics Festival risked cancellation after major publishers withdrew support and the French government cut €200,000 in public subsidies. Annual prizes and the festival's international standing were jeopardised ahead of the January 29 start. The crisis stems from governance problems and allegations that an employee was fired after lodging a rape complaint. Prominent creators, including Art Spiegelman and Anouk Ricard, called for a boycott and French publishing houses issued a warning that the 2026 edition may not take place. Festival management mixes a non-profit led by Delphine Groux with private organiser 9eArt+, whose director faced prior investigation.
Read at The Local France
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