The 18th edition of the Toulouse Polars du Sud festival will take place from October 9 to October 11, 2026, in the Basso Cambo neighborhood of Toulouse. The event, centered around the noir genre, will bring together more than 40 French and international authors to discuss themes such as war, international conflicts, historical secrets, and digital manipulation. The main venue will be the Forum of the La Renaissance Bookstore, a hub for literary engagement in the area. The festival highlights the relevance of the war theme in today's world, with authors examining how noir fiction can reflect and illuminate current global tensions. Valentine Imhof and Abir Mukherjee are among the key figures in the genre, offering distinct perspectives on noir that weave together historical facts, power dynamics, and personal stories. Their works provide a deeper understanding of how the past continues to shape the present. On Friday, October 9, at 8:30 p.m., a round table titled "At the borders of conflicts" will feature Andreï Kourkov and Olivier Truc. They will discuss how shifting borders and political tensions affect people's lives, aiming to provide a human perspective beyond political statements and maps. This session will explore the personal impact of geopolitical changes. On Saturday, October 10, at 3:50 p.m., Gwenaël Bulteau and Abir Mukherjee will participate in a session titled "When noir investigates history." This discussion will focus on how war, colonial domination, and ideologies have shaped individual lives. Additional talks on Saturday will cover topics such as wars, empires, and trafficking, featuring authors like Patrick Bard, Laurent Guillaume, and Abir Mukherjee. On Sunday, October 11, at 1:45 p.m., Yishai Sarid and Makis Malafekas will discuss "Internet is watching you!" exploring topics such as algorithms, misleading images, and the manipulation of social networks. At 11:40 a.m., Mathilde Beaussault, Nathalie Gauthereau, and Karine Sulplice will share their work during a session dedicated to new voices in French noir. The festival will run from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Some sessions will offer French sign language interpretation, and the public is welcome to attend within seating limits. Additional activities include book signings, literary awards, and intimate meetings at the "Parloir."