Overview
- The festival’s owner association directed 9eArt+ and the public CIBDI to “envisage a rapprochement” and deliver a shared proposal by November 20 for the event’s future setup after 2028.
- The association says a combined plan aims to improve transparency and give public authorities an appropriate role in governance, a move welcomed by local and regional funders who co-finance about 40% of the festival.
- An online call to boycott the 53rd edition scheduled for January 29 to February 1 has drawn nearly 2,300 signatures, including Grand Prix laureates such as Posy Simmonds, Art Spiegelman, Blutch and Lewis Trondheim.
- CIBDI president Patrick Mardikian signaled openness to a rapprochement but called the deadline unrealistic, while the CNT-SO union condemned the maneuver as a stalling tactic and reiterated its demand for 9eArt+ to leave.
- A judicial investigation into an alleged rape tied to the festival and a related dismissal dispute remains active, as 9eArt+—criticized over financial opacity—reiterates its intention to transfer the business.