CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOCUS 2026: Science Fiction Literature (27-31 October 2026) Deadline: May 4th, 2026

FOCUS presentation

The Institut français develops programs specifically designed to offer foreign professionals who are influential in their fields a better understanding of the French arts scene.

The FOCUS program enables international decision-makers to attend the most iconic events in their respective fields (festivals, biennials, fairs, etc.) and meet French professionals in order to promote international exchanges and cooperation.

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The literary FOCUS in 2026

The Institut français and the French cultural network abroad support the international circulation of literary works while aiming at fostering collaborations between professionals of this sector. This years’ literary arts FOCUS is dedicated to professionals from the industry of science-fiction novels and comics publishing, in partnership with Utopiales, international science-fiction festival in Nantes.

For 4 days, from October 27-31, this program will offer 12 publishers an opportunity to delve into the trends in sci-fi publishing in Paris and Nantes to attend Utopiales, renowned first French Sci-Fi Festival (the 26st edition of which is being held from October 29 to November 2 nd ) : https://www.utopiales.org

This FOCUS will give invited professional the opportunity to connect with science-fiction publishing for all audiences, a sector currently experiencing significant growth in France and globally.

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Objectives

This FOCUS, dedicated to high-level meetings and interactions with French decision-makers in the science-fiction literary sector, aims to:

• Familiarize participants with science-fiction publishing for all audiences
• Develop new professional collaborations and cooperation between international publishers, the French Cultural Network abroad, and French partners.

At the end of this program, it is expected that the beneficiaries will be better connected to the professional ecosystem of science-fiction literature in France, that they will have made contact with several professionals to advance their editorial projects and develop new partnerships.

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Programm and schedule

Over four days, this FOCUS on Science-Fiction Literature will connect participants with publishers, foreign rights managers, authors, illustrators, and other French professionals from this sector.

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The program (under development), will include:

• Visits and meetings with publishers of various publishing houses and imprints, bookstores, institutional partners, and foreign rights managers.
• Attending Utopiales international festival in Nantes (guided tours, round tables, professional meetings).

Provisional Schedule

Tuesday, October 27, afternoon: Program opening, cultural and professional visits, welcome dinner for participants

Wednesday, October 28: Networking and professional appointments in Paris

Thursday, October 29: Cultural and professional visits and meetings at Utopiales in Nantes

Friday, October 30: Dedicated program at Utopiales in Nantes

Saturday, October 31, morning: Dedicated program at Utopiales, closing of the FOCUS session

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Criteria to apply and selection process:

Preference will be given to applicants

• publishing science-fiction fiction, including graphic novels.
• aiming to launch and develop a specific science-fiction imprints.
• perfectly fluent in French and/or English.

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The selection of the 12 participants will be made by the Institut français in Paris and its partners in May 2025. Professionals interested in participating in the program are invited to contact the French cultural services or the French Institute in their country of residence prior to May 4th, 2026, with a resume and application letter, a short bio (150 words max) and a profile picture (with mention of copyright).

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Important information:

• Participants must be available for the entire duration of the FOCUS and are expected to take part in the entire program.
• Participants must arrive in Paris for the beginning of the program on Tuesday, October 27th. The program will end on Saturday, Octobre 31st at 12:00 am, participants are invited to plan for their return travels on that day.
• Following expenses inherent to the FOCUS program will be covered by the Institut français and its partners: accommodation (in Paris and Nantes from Tuesday, October 27 th -Friday October 30th included), meals (when part of the program), local transportation (excepted for airport transfers), Utopiales accreditation and tickets for the cultural visits.