Nantes chosen for Utopiales festival

The city of Nantes, known for its links to exploration and surrealism, has been selected to host the Utopiales, a major international science fiction festival. The 2026 edition will take place in Nantes, a city with a rich cultural and historical background.

Festival theme focuses on "perspective"

The 2026 Utopiales will center on the theme "perspectives," a term that includes the technique of representing space, the aesthetic of a distant landscape, and a way to re-imagine reality. This theme reflects the festival's goal of exploring the world and imagining the future through various formats.

Theme inspired by Anton Makarenko's quote

The theme is inspired by a quote from Soviet educator Anton Makarenko: "Create in us perspectives according to which our joys of tomorrow will be organized." This quote emphasizes the festival's aim to shape future hopes and possibilities.

Event brings together over 200 global participants

The Utopiales will gather more than 200 participants, including authors, scientists, artists, and specialists, from around the world. They will engage in discussions and share their ideas on various topics related to science fiction.

Roundtable discussions on diverse topics

Partnering with Sciences et Avenir, the festival will host four roundtables. These include discussions on the scale of perspective in storytelling, the ethical implications of genome sequencing, the challenges of technological progress, and the future of maritime transport.

Festival includes educational and creative activities

A temporary university will allow for in-depth exploration of science fiction topics. The event will also feature projections, animated readings, exhibitions, and game workshops, showcasing the genre in various forms.

European science fiction bookstore and performances

As in previous years, the Utopiales will host the largest European bookstore dedicated to science fiction, offering 25,000 books. Each evening will end with performances of singing, dance, or humor, enriching the festival experience.

Awards ceremony and event details

The awards ceremony, which will recognize books, comics, films, and other works from the 2026 edition, will be held on Saturday, October 31 at 7 PM. The event will take place at the Nantes Congress Center, from October 29 to November 1, 2026. Full details are available online.