To celebrate the 10th edition of the Italian literature and culture festival in Paris, Italissimo, the Italian Ambassador to France, Emanuela D’Alessandro, welcomed a delegation of key figures from this major event in the prestigious Sala del Guardi at the Embassy. Among those present were Fabio Gambaro, the Festival’s Director; Innocenzo Cipolletta, President of the Italian Publishers Association; as well as renowned writers Milena Agus, Viola Ardone, Alessandro Baricco, Gianrico Carofiglio, Donatella Di Pietrantonio, Fabio Fiori, Michela Marzano, Vanni Santoni, and Emanuele Trevi. Also in attendance was Lorenzo Mattotti, the artist behind this year’s official poster, alongside executives from leading French publishing houses, partners, and sponsors of the Festival.
Founded in 2016 and held annually in April, Italissimo has quickly established itself as the leading platform for promoting Italian literature in France. It has become a highly anticipated event in the vibrant cultural calendar of the French capital, offering readers the opportunity to meet some of the most significant figures in contemporary Italian literature—many of whom enjoy a strong following across the Alps—as well as to discover new Italian literary voices recently translated into French. The Festival has always championed dialogue—between literature and other art forms, between Italian and French culture, and between the publishing industries of both countries. Over the past decade, Italissimo has hosted more than 300 Italian and French guests, featured 260 events, including literary discussions, readings, performances, and screenings, and taken place in around 20 prestigious venues across Paris. It has also benefitted from the support of over 30 public and private partners and sponsors from both Italy and France, including the Italian Embassy itself. Since 2021, the Festival has also hosted an autumn edition in Lyon. The definitive recognition of Italissimo’s success came in 2023, when its programme was integrated with Italy’s participation as Guest of Honour at the Paris Book Festival. In 2024, the Festival further cemented its reputation by receiving the prestigious “Prix de l’Initiative Européenne”.
“Italissimo is a shining example of how literature and publishing play a key role in strengthening cultural dialogue between Italy and France, and how a collaborative approach adds significant value to Italy’s international promotion,” said Ambassador D’Alessandro as she met with the key figures of this year’s edition. “The presence in Paris of some of the most representative voices of contemporary Italian literature,” she added, “is a testament to the recognition by French readers of the excellence of our literary production”.
