Francophonie Festival 2026 in Hong Kong: Anticipation
The Francophonie Festival in Hong Kong is back for a vibrant 2026 edition, running throughout the entire month of March.
This annual celebration of French-speaking cultures and communities unites the consulates of France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada, in close partnership with the Alliance Française de Hong Kong and Parenthèses bookstore.
This year’s theme revolves around “Anticipation”, inviting to reflect on what lies ahead – the possibilities, anxieties, and aspirations that shape our future. The programme delves into timely topics like the rise of artificial intelligence, the imaginative realms of science fiction and speculative fiction, and our shared responsibility to foster a more engaged, humanist world.
The 4 campuses of the French International School in Hong Kong: Jardine’s Lookout, Tseung Kwan O, Chai Wan and Blue Pool Road ©HKFIS
What is Francophonie?
Francophonie is the term that describes the global network of individuals who speak French. This community boasts over 321 million speakers across all five continents, including both native speakers and those who incorporate the language into their daily lives, whether in education, business, or cultural settings. French ranks as the fifth most spoken language worldwide, following Mandarin, English, Spanish, and Arabic, and is the third most utilised language in the business arena.
March 20 marks the celebration of International Francophonie Day each year. It commemorates the founding of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT) in Niamey, Niger, back in 1970. The agency was a significant starting point for promoting collaboration among Francophone nations, paving the way for the establishment of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).
In Hong Kong, there are numerous institutions offering French language courses, such as the Alliance Française de Hong Kong, the French International School, along with universities and both local and international schools.
Inaugural Conference at the Central Library on March 4 ©Culture Plus
The Inaugural Conference
The 2026 edition of the Francophonie Festival kicked off on March 4, at the Hong Kong Central Library auditorium.
The conference featured opening remarks from the Consuls General of French-speaking countries represented in Hong Kong, including France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. They emphasized the global significance of the French language, its role in fostering international cooperation, and its vitality in diverse communities worldwide.
Inaugural Conference – Guy Delisle, Clarence Tsui and Anne-Claire Poignard ©Culture Plus
The highlight was a special appearance by the renowned Canadian graphic novelist Guy Delisle. He engaged in an insightful conversation with Hong Kong-based film critic and lecturer Clarence Tsui, moderated by French journalist Anne-Claire Poignard.
Guy Delisle
As one of the Guests of Honour at the Francophonie Festival 2026, Guy Delisle is renowned for his travel-inspired memoirs like Shenzhen (2000), Pyongyang (2003), or Jerusalem (2008), and more recently Muybridge (2024), a graphic exploration of the pioneering photographer Eadweard Muybridge whose motion studies influenced early cinema.
Guy Delisle at Parentheses (left), Guy Delisle Exhibition at the Central Library (right) ©Culture Plus
The author participated in a series of public events, talks, signings, and exhibitions, such as:
– A Meet-and-Greet / Book Signing at Parenthèses bookstore on March 5, marking his return to Hong Kong after 14 years
– A major exhibition of his storytelling and illustrations runs from 1 to 29 March at the Hong Kong Central Library (more details HERE)
– A concurrent focused show on his latest book Muybridge takes place from 3 to 17 March at the Hong Kong Arts Centre’s Comix Home Base (more details HERE)
Elisa Shua Dusapin
Franco-Swiss author of Korean heritage Elisa Shua Dusapin also serves as a Guest of Honour of this year’s festival.
Her acclaimed debut, Winter in Sokcho (2016), won multiple prizes including France’s Prix Robert Walser and the National Book Award for Translated Literature in the US, and was later adapted into a film. She has since published The Pachinko Parlour (2018) and Vladivostok Circus (2020), with her latest work, The Old Fire (2023), receiving praise for its haunting exploration of family secrets and unspoken bonds.
Dusapin will visit Hong Kong from March 13 to 22. Key events include:
– Cinema screening: A Winter in Sokcho (Hiver à Sokcho) on March 16 at the Fringe Club (Jockey Club Studio Theatre). The film adaptation directed by Koya Kamura in 2024 will be followed by a Q&A session with the author (more details HERE)
– In Conversation with Elisa Shua Dusapin on March 17 at the University of Hong Kong (more details HERE)
– Meeting and book signing at Alliance Française Library, Jordan Centre on March 18. The session, in partnership with the Korean Cultural Center in Hong Kong, will be held in English (more details HERE)
Additional highlights
With over 30 varied events lined up, the festival caters to everyone: from literature fans and film aficionados to food lovers, families, and anyone curious about the francophone creativity and diversity. Check out below more cultural picks:
Maryne: live concert at the Aftermath
13 March
The Aftermath
A one-night performance by the talented Swiss singer-songwriter Maryne, with her intimate guitar-and-vocals set blending original pop-influenced songs inspired by artists like Julia Stone, Billie Eilish, and Dua Lipa. The concert will feature Hong Kong musician Alwin Leung and the Lycée Français International choir. More details HERE
Rosas – BREL by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker & Solal Mariotte
14 – 15 March
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
As part of the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival, the contemporary dance show will feature renowned choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, alongside rising talent Solal Mariotte in a poetic tribute inspired by the timeless music of Belgian singer Jacques Brel. More Details HERE.
Tintin et le Lotus Bleu
22 March
Hong Kong Central Library
A narrated audiovisual experience of Hergé’s iconic comic adventure The Blue Lotus with colorized original panels brought to life through voices, music, and sound design. More details HERE
Whether you’re fluent in French or simply curious, the Francophonie Festival 2026 promises a month of inspiration, connection, and forward-looking celebration. Mark your calendars and dive into the francophone spirit this March!
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Francophonie Festival 2026
From 1 March to 31 March
For the full calendar, detailed RSVPs, and updates, visit the official website HERE.