Controversy and Boycott Threat Loom Over Angoulême Comic Festival Leadership
The Festival d'Angoulême's decision to retain Franck Bondoux and 9Art+ as organizers amid serious allegations has ignited boycott threats from authors and publishers ahead of the 2026 edition.
- • Franck Bondoux and 9Art+ retained as organizers despite controversy.
- • Thousands of authors and several publishers threaten to boycott the 2026 festival.
- • A joint project with the Cité internationale must be submitted by November 20, 2025.
- • 9Art+ faces allegations of financial opacity and suppressing a rape accusation.
Key details
The 2025 Festival d'Angoulême faces significant controversy after the decision to retain Franck Bondoux and his company 9Art+ as organizers was confirmed, despite strong opposition from authors and publishers. This decision has sparked widespread calls for a boycott of the 2026 edition, with thousands of authors signing petitions and several major independent publishers already announcing their intent not to participate.
Starting in 2028, 9Art+ is to collaborate with the Cité internationale de la bande dessinée et de l’image, presenting a joint project by November 20, 2025, as a proposed path to a more inclusive festival. However, tensions remain high, as the Cité's director has openly rejected the idea of a joint leadership candidacy.
9Art+ faces serious criticisms including financial opacity, mercantile misconduct, and allegations of suppressing a rape accusation. These allegations have deeply unsettled the comics community and contributed to the mobilization for a boycott.
The festival association maintains that this restructuring will create a safer and more inclusive event, yet many in the profession feel that their concerns have been ignored, casting doubt on the festival's viability without the participation of key creators. This conflict underscores a pivotal moment in the festival's history, with the future direction now heavily contested.