Angoulême Comics Festival cancels 2026 edition due to author-led boycott

The renowned Angoulme International Comics Festival in France faces an uncertain future after prolonged disputes over its management, with organizers announcing the cancellation of the 2026 edition. Lawyers for the organizing company, 9e Art +, stated that the festival cannot realistically be held under appropriate conditions, according to local media reports.

The 53rd edition had been scheduled for 29 January to 1 February 2026. 9e Art + attributed the cancellation to the withdrawal of public funding in November. The company criticized public partners for repeatedly interfering in the festivals operations, despite its private nature, allegedly aiming to remove the long-standing organizer.

Founded in 1974 and managed by 9e Art + since 2007, the festival has recently been embroiled in controversies affecting the French comic book scene. Over the last decade, accusations of financial mismanagement and lack of transparency have tarnished its reputation. A 2021 audit report described 9e Art + as having a complex and opaque structure with irregular financial practices.

The festival also faced allegations of sexism. A 2023 exhibition highlighting French author Bastien Vivs drew criticism for normalizing abusive themes, leading to its cancellation amid the rise of #MeTooBD. The crisis escalated in January 2024 when an employee reported being raped at the event, resulting in widespread calls for governance reform. The Authors and Composers French Syndicate labeled the festivals environment as toxic.

As discussions continued about renewing leadership after 2028, many authors expressed frustration that 9e Art + and its director Franck Bondoux were still considered to manage the festival. This triggered calls for boycotts, which intensified when publishers withdrew support in November. The Union of Alternative Publishers criticized the festivals refusal to heed the industrys concerns.

With artists and publishers withdrawing, public funders eventually pulled their contributions, which constituted nearly half of the festivals budget. Angoulme Mayor Xavier Bonnefond emphasized that the event relies on authors and attendees, and without them, there is no festival or funding.

Facing no viable alternative, 9e Art + confirmed the cancellation of the 2026 edition. The companys management contract extends for two more years, leaving the 2027 festival at risk if conflicts persist. While a transition to new organizers from 2028 offers hope, industry insiders warn that the festivals survival is at an unprecedented risk.

Author: Zoe Harrison