A new literary festival called Maillage has launched in Paris, running from September 25 to 27, 2026, at the Palais de la Porte Dorée. The event aims to share diverse narratives and creative forms, focusing on themes such as migration, exile, memory, and identity. The festival's program includes a wide range of activities, such as fiction readings, poetry, comics, music, performances, and interactive workshops. Notably, Mohamed Mbougar Sarr, a prominent Senegalese writer and the winner of the 2021 Neustadt Prize, has been named guest of honor. The timing and focus of Maillage have sparked discussions about the role of African and diasporic literatures in today's cultural conversations. These works often explore the complex histories and experiences of people from African countries and their descendants living outside the continent, highlighting themes of displacement, identity, and cultural hybridity. The festival's emphasis on these topics has drawn both praise and curiosity from literary circles and the public. The choice of the Palais de la Porte Dorée as the venue has also raised questions. This historic building, known for its Art Deco architecture, was once a symbol of French colonial power, housing exhibitions that celebrated French imperial achievements. Its selection as the festival’s location has led some to reflect on the contradictions of holding a celebration centered on migration and identity in a space with such colonial associations. To explore these themes, journalist and literary critic Fatimata Wane conducted an interview with Gladys Marivat, who has been covering the festival. Their discussion aimed to unpack the significance of Maillage in the broader context of cultural representation and the ongoing dialogue about France’s colonial past. The interview highlighted the festival’s ambition to challenge traditional narratives and create space for underrepresented voices in the literary world.