With the powerful slogan, ‘We Read to Live Twice’, the 33rd edition of the Tunis International Book Fair runs from 24 March to 2 April 2017 in Tunis, Tunisia, with the participation of 748 publishing houses form 29 countries. The Fair chose Lebanon as a guest of honour in recognition of its contribution to Arabic culture and to publishing, as well as to celebrate the joint efforts between the two countries in developing an ‘enlightened open vision’ for the Arab world.
The book fair is highlighted by the participation of Columbia University Press. The university from which 100 Nobel Prize Laureates graduated, is considered one of the world’s leading publishers.
Tunis International Book Fair is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Tunisian author, Béchir Khraief, who gave new life to the Arabic novel in the 1930s, and Tunisian author, poet and journalist, Mohammed Al Marzouqi (1916–1981). They also commemorated the 150th anniversary of French poet, Charles Baudelaire’s passing.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Tunisian cinema, the fair is screening important films, and holds panel discussions with the participation of a host of renowned actors, directors and art critics. This year’s edition of the fair sheds light on children, through a special corner which features leisure and entertainment events and activities, as well as children’s books.