The America Festival, scheduled to take place in Vincennes from September 24 to 27 for its 12th edition, has announced the end of its partnership with the United States Embassy in France and the U.S. Department of State. The festival, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence, was set to feature more than sixty American authors, including Joyce Carol Oates, Ron Rash, Jay McInerney, Patrick Radden Keefe, and John Grisham. This decision comes after the U.S. Embassy decided to reduce its funding for the event by 80 percent compared to previous years. Francis Geffard, the president and founder of the America Festival, described the move as a "concerning" signal. He emphasized that the partnership had been crucial in supporting the festival's mission to promote cultural and literary exchanges between the United States and France. The reduction in funding, he said, could affect the festival's ability to bring in prominent authors and maintain the event's high standards. The America Festival has historically relied on support from the U.S. Embassy and the Department of State to cover a portion of its operational costs. Without this financial backing, the organizers may need to seek alternative funding sources or make adjustments to the event's scale and programming. The festival's cancellation of the partnership has raised questions about the future of U.S.-France cultural collaborations and the impact of budget cuts on such initiatives. The America Festival has been an important platform for American literature in France, offering a unique opportunity for authors to engage with European audiences. As the festival prepares for its 12th edition, the loss of U.S. government support may pose challenges, but the organizers remain committed to continuing the event and exploring new ways to sustain its success.