The director of the Institut Francais de Taipei said he wants to show “France’s new look” to Taiwanese by presenting its multi-faceted culture.
Patrick Bonneville said the institute is planning to invite several important performing groups to Taipei this year, but one of the main events is the upcoming Taipei International Book Exhibition (TIBE), at which France is the guest of honor.
Although this is not the first time France has been the guest of honor at the exhibition, Bonneville said “the size of French involvement has been increased and this year, more aspects of the new look of French culture, books, movies and music will be presented to the people here, as well as throughout Asia.”
GUESTS
He said that this year about 15 French writers, more than a dozen representatives of French publishing houses, as well as artists, bands and directors totaling about 50 guests in all would attend.
Having been assigned to Taipei for about 18 months, Bonneville recalled his impression of last year’s TIBE and his amazement that so many visitors attended the event.
What struck him most was that the younger generation’s involvement proved that “the future of books is not dead,” he said.
Collaboration between Taiwan and France has been increasing in recent years, Bonneville said, adding that he expects to develop new business opportunities for French publishers by means of the fair and will also seek to create improved communication between authors in both countries, while also building a profound understanding on the part of Taiwanese readers of French culture and the country’s new publishing trends.
HIGHLIGHT
One of the highlights this year for Bonneville personally is that he has been invited to the book fair not only as a diplomat, but also as a writer.
His book, La photographie Japonaise sous l’ere Meiji, showcases photographs dating from Japan’s Meiji period (1868-1912).
Bonneville said the fair would also feature four exhibitions — French movies, animations, seminars and performances designed to showcase France’s vibrant new face.
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