And Now? International Congress of the Literary Sector in a Time of Political Upheaval

Isabel Lukas, Lisbon, Portugal:
On Lusophone literature

How Lusophone literature has developed and circulated over the past decade, which books and authors have renewed its languages and territories, and how literary festivals, publishers and translators can resist the tendency to reduce a diverse literary space to a small number of familiar names.

Nicole Witt, Frankfurt, Germany:

Literature from Portugal and the entire lusophone world – current successes and future challenges. What are the key factors in selling rights: What works, where is there demand, what supports us, and what are the obstacles?

Rosemarie Milsom, Adelaide, Australia:
Who Gets to Speak? Why Literature Festivals Matter

Online participation

In an increasingly polarised world, literature festivals are being called upon to do more than celebrate books – they must also respond to shifting geopolitical tensions, community expectations, and funding pressures. It is no coincidence that as global tensions intensify, festivals come under increased pressure to conform and censor. This timely presentation examines the value of literature festivals as spaces for free expression, public debate and democratic engagement.

Sabir Sultan, New York, USA:
On the World Voices Festival in New York

Online participation

Kai Pfeiffer, Berlin, Germany:
On the Comic- and Graphic Novel Scene in Germany

Online participation

the cancellation of the Festival International de la Bande Dessinée d’Angouleme in 2026 and the challenges of the Comic and Graphic Novels.

Filipa Melo, Lisbon, Portugal:
How AI has already lost to writers

Moderation: Peter Florence

Language: English