Francophonie 2026: Celebrating Future Possibilities

Description

Co-organised by the Consulates of France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada and Alliance Française of Hong Kong, the Francophonie Festival 2026 adopts the anticipation theme — an invitation to reflect on the future, its possibilities, fears and desires. This year’s programme explores the growing role of artificial intelligence and the imaginative worlds of science fiction and speculative fiction, questioning our choices and responsibilities as we shape a more engaged and humanist future through exhibitions, talks, a gastronomic fair and many more.

Notably, two leading figures of contemporary francophone literature headline the festival.

World-renowned graphic novelist Guy Delisle’s works will come to life at multiple events. From 1 to 29 March, a major exhibition at Hong Kong Central Library highlights his acclaimed storytelling, while a concurrent show held between 3 to 17 March will be held at the Hong Kong Arts Centre’s Comics Corner focuses on his latest book, Muybridge. The festival’s opening ceremony will take place on 4 March from 10:00 to 12:00, featuring Delisle and local film critic Clarence Tsui at the Central Library. Moderated by French television journalist Anne-Claire Poignard, the talk will explore the future of images in graphic novels and cinema. It will be followed by a masterclass and book signings at various locations such as Parenthèses on 5 March from 18:00 to 19:00.

Swiss-French-Korean author Elisa Shua Dusapin will hold a series of intimate talks and book signings at various venues from 16 to 20 March, including the University of Hong Kong, Parenthèses and the Alliance Française Library, Jordan Centre. For example, her award‑winning novel Hiver à Sokcho (Winter in Sokcho), set in a Korean seaside town, delicately explores themes of identity, emotional distance, and human connection will be discussed. Director Koyo Kamura’s film adaptation will screen on 16 March at the Fringe Club.