Three French-language writers will present their books translated into Armenian at Newmag Francofest 2026.

ArmInfo. Lebanese writer Sharif Majdalani, Belgian author Philippe Marchewski, and French writer Olivier Bourdo will participate in Newmag Francofest 2026, where they will present their works translated into Armenian to Armenian readers.

During a press conference held in Yerevan on October 9, Artak Aleksanyan, director of Newmag Publishing House, speaking about the festival itself, emphasized that it provides an opportunity to become acquainted with contemporary literature not only through books but also through direct interaction with their authors. According to him, the books presented at Francofest 2026 generated great interest among Armenian readers and quickly sold out. "Events like these are important because they give students the opportunity to become familiar with the works of contemporary writers and interact with them in person," Aleksanyan noted.

One of the festival's central events will be the presentation of the Armenian translation of Lebanese writer Sharif Majdalani's novel "The Name of the Prince," which won the second Armenian edition of the Prix Goncourt. In this regard, Xavier Richard, Counselor for Cooperation and Culture at the French Embassy in Armenia, spoke about the specifics of the Armenian edition of the Prix Goncourt, the format of which is adapted to each country. According to him, the national jury consists of 36 French-speaking students from three leading Armenian universities: Yerevan State University, the French University in Armenia, and the Bryusov Linguistic University. "Participants are introduced to the eight works selected in the second round of the original Prix Goncourt, and then independently vote to select their own winner," explained Richard.

Majdalani himself, whose book won the second Armenian edition of the Prix Goncourt, noted that coming to Armenia for this event was a great honor for him. Speaking about his novel's victory, the author recalled learning of it from the rector of the French University in Armenia, who broke the news to him over the phone. "I heard one of the students announce my name. It was joyful news for me. I am very happy to have visited Armenia for this event," Majdalani shared.

He also spoke of his personal connection to Armenia, formed through his many friends of Armenian descent in Lebanon. "I am well acquainted with Armenia, which, so to speak, is part of Lebanon's cultural horizon. I have many Armenian friends in Lebanon, and in general, I know many people of Armenian descent. In this sense, it is especially significant for me that I am here today," the writer noted.

At the same time, Majdalani emphasized that the culture of the Armenian diaspora, which he became acquainted with through his friends, differs from the cultural reality he encountered directly in Armenia. In this regard, he explained that many of his Armenian acquaintances in Lebanon are descendants of survivors of the Armenian Genocide.

Belgian writer Philippe Marczewski, in turn, expressed pride at the invitation to the festival and noted that the translation of his book into Armenian was a surprise to him. "I am also connected to Armenia: I have Armenian friends, representatives of the Armenian diaspora." "When we write a book, we sit alone in our office, and it's hard to imagine that one day it will be presented to readers in a country like Armenia," the author noted.

According to Marchevsky, the opportunity to meet Armenian readers and discuss his book with them on October 10th gives him particular pleasure. French writer Olivier Bourdo also shared his impressions of his first visit to Armenia, calling it the fulfillment of one of his dreams. "My interest in the country was sparked by a journalist friend from the French publication Le Figaro, who writes extensively about Armenia. It was his stories that awakened in me the desire to get to know the country personally," the writer said.

It's worth noting that the Newmag Francofest is being held for the fourth time. For the past two years, the festival has been supported by the International Organization of Francophonie and the Prix Goncourt, giving it international status. Armenia has been participating in the national jury of the Prix Goncourt, one of France's most prestigious literary awards, for three years now.