San Diego hosts its first Francophone Lit Festival

A Three-Day Celebration of Stories and Culture | October 2–4, 2025

San Diego, CA — The Alliance Française San Diego is proud to announce the launch of the French Literature and Arts Festival, taking place in San Diego October 2–4, 2025. Presented in collaboration with esteemed sponsors and partners including Villa Albertine, the Québec Government Office in Los Angeles, the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, and Gallimard, the festival invites the public to experience the vibrancy of Francophone culture through literature, film, and the arts.
Open to all, this three-day celebration will feature a thoughtfully curated program of author talks, writing workshops, performances, and more—offering unique opportunities to connect with renowned voices from the Francophone world.
The Festival features Éric Fottorino, award-winning novelist and journalist, as Literary Guest of Honor. A celebrated novelist and journalist, Fottorino is the author of more than 40 works of fiction and non-fiction. His literary career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the Prix des Libraires, the Prix Femina, and the Prix Francois Mauriac from the French Academy.
“We are proud to welcome acclaimed author Éric Fottorino as our Literary Guest of Honor,” says Julie Ripoll, Executive Director of the Alliance Française San Diego. “His presence, alongside a diverse lineup of writers, artists, and educators, reflects our mission to celebrate the richness of Francophone cultures and to foster meaningful cultural exchange here in San Diego. This festival is also a true community effort—it wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and passion of our volunteers, including authors Vanina Joulin-Batejat, our Festival Chair, Catherine Goldschmidt, Co-Chair, and the invaluable support of our Honorary Patron, Ann Craig.”

Thursday, October 2 – Opening Night Theater Performance

The festival opens with a compelling stage adaptation of Stupeur et tremblements (Fear and Trembling), Amélie Nothomb’s internationally acclaimed novel and winner of the Grand Prix du Roman de l’Académie Française (1999). The performance takes place at the Lycée Français de San Diego.
This powerful one-woman show, adapted, directed, and performed by Layla Metssitane, a Los Angeles–based actress, brings to life Nothomb’s biting exploration of cultural clashes and corporate absurdity. Performed in French with English subtitles, the piece offers an emotionally charged experience for both Francophones and francophiles.

Friday, October 3 – Education and Film

The second day focuses on education, language, and storytelling. Participating authors will lead interactive workshops across local schools and institutions, including UC San Diego, the Language Academy, Le Lycée Français de San Diego, The San Diego French American School, The Bishop's School, Au Clair de Lune and Patrick Henry High School.
As part of the educational program, students are invited to enter a poetry competition. The winner will be awarded the “Prix Antidote du concours de poésie”, which includes a license for Antidote+ Personnel, the premier French-language writing and editing software..
The day concludes with a special screening of the animated film "Hola Frida!" at The San Diego French American School. Presented in French with English subtitles, this session—From Book to Screen—features appearances by Cara Carmina, illustrator of the original book, and Sophie Faucher, the film’s narrator and creative collaborator. Together, they’ll explore the artistic process behind the adaptation and Frida Kahlo’s enduring cultural impact.

Saturday, October 4 – Festival Day: Books, Authors & Celebration

The final day of the festival celebrates literature, language, and community at the prestigious Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. The Author Meet & Greet and Book Fair offers visitors a chance to connect directly with Francophone and local authors, discover new works, and explore a wide selection of books—ranging from contemporary fiction to well being manuals, children’s literature and poetry.
The festival will welcome a dynamic range of literary talent, from emerging voices such as Adama Sissoko to bestselling authors like Marion Billet, offering audiences a rich tapestry of perspectives and styles.
Festivalgoers can also enjoy interactive author-led activities and take part in “Antidote: le jeu”, a playful and educational game highlighting the richness of the French language. This activity will be held during the Open House at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. Winners of the game will receive a copy of Le jeu Antidote—a fun and valuable way to deepen their language skills.
At 6:00 PM, the celebration concludes with a piano concert: “A French Emotional Journey” performed by acclaimed pianist Aleck Karis, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of the UC San Diego Music Department. Known for his expressive interpretations and technical finesse, Karis will guide audiences through a program of evocative French compositions. The evening will end with a festive reception, complete with refreshments.
With its rich programming, exceptional guests, and collaborative spirit, the San Diego French Literature and Arts Festival invites everyone—Francophones and Francophiles alike—to celebrate language, creativity, and culture in the heart of San Diego.
Visit www.afsandiego.org/flaf for updates and full program details.

List of participating authors: Adama Sissoko, Alain Rolland, Alexandra Marchant, Cara Carmina, Catherine Goldschmidt, Charlotte Attry, Claire Stride, Corinne Cotereau, Dana Ziyasheva, Delphine Arbo Pariente, Elsa Peny-Etienne, ERIC FOTTORINO, Literary Guest of Honor, Jean Monnier, Julie du Chemin, Karin Warin, Marion Billet, Philippe Labarre, Sophie Faucher, Sylvie Joseph-Julien, Vanina Joulin-Batejat.

Links for Tickets and RSVP
October 2: Theatre 6 PM Stupeur et tremblements
October 3: 6.30 PM animated film "Hola Frida!"
October 4:
10 AM- 4 PM Open House at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library
6 PM piano concert: “A French Emotional Journey”
Sponsors of the event include
Villa Albertine, Athenaeum Music & Arts Library , Québec Government Office in Los Angeles Clotilde French Book Store, The Gouter

Partners
Gallimard, Druide, Lycee Français de San Diego, San Diego French American School, Au Clair de Lune, Language Academy, Patrick Henry High School, UC San Diego, The Bishop's School

About the Alliance Française San Diego
The Alliance Francaise San Diego was founded in 1927 and is part of a network of more than 100 chapters of Alliances in the United States and more than 832 affiliates in 128 countries on every continent. Its mission is to teach French and promote francophone cultures via social and cultural events.
The Alliance Française was founded in 1883 by a group of intellectuals, including the scientist Louis Pasteur, the diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps, the writer Jules Verne, and the publisher Armand Colin, to name a few. Having an Alliance Française in San Diego is pursuing their ideal to make French shine abroad.
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Media Contact:
Alliance Française San Diego
Email: culture@afsandiego.org
Website: www.afsandiego.org