The Oaxaca International Book Fair (FILO) will return to the Zócalo of this city for its 44th edition, which will take place this 2024; this was announced by the organizers this Thursday. Last year the fair faced various questions, because despite the large public investment, spaces for booksellers were denied.
On this occasion, when announcing that the FILO will no longer be held at the Cultural and Convention Center of Oaxaca (CCCO), the organizers did not mention the amount of the economic intervention of the state government and only referred to the private initiative.
“Thanks to private initiative, FILO continues its festive spirit outdoors, offering a unique experience for Oaxacans and visitors.”
In the 2023 edition, Vania Reséndiz, director of FILO, reported that of the 8 million pesos that the fair cost, 65 percent came from public resources, while the remaining 35 percent was from private initiative.
For this year, the fair will have a wide range of activities, ranging from book presentations and talks with authors, to workshops and discussion panels for all ages.
The inaugural event will be the Writing and Drawing Jam (original idea: Haidu Kowski, general production: Tai La Bella Damsky) where Tanya Huntington, Francisco Hinojosa, Mariana Ruiz Johnson and Amanda Mijangos will combine these disciplines from their particular points of view. Likewise, the FILO Recognition for the Lifetime Achievement will be given to Oaxacan Concepción Núñez Miranda, activist for the rights of women. women, especially teachers, who have been deprived of their freedom.
The FILO Chamacxs Tribute is offered to those who have worked in the promotion of children’s and young adult literature, and this 2024 the distinction will go to the Chilean author, María José Ferrada. On the other hand, the Aura Estrada Chair, where authors share their personal approach to literature, will be taught by the American poet, novelist, playwright, cultural journalist and performer Eileen Myles, author of more than 20 books and an important reference for feminism and LGBTIQA+ activism.
Source: eluniversal
