Iranian Poetry Honored at Paris’ Printemps des Poètes Festival

The 28th edition of Printemps des Poètes (Spring of Poets), a major French festival dedicated to poetry running from March 9th to 31st, recently highlighted contemporary Iranian poetry, demonstrating a commitment to artistic expression even amidst political challenges. This year’s festival, featuring a record 19,000 events across France according to its president, Emmanuel Hoog, included a tribute to Iranian poets facing censorship and persecution, underscoring the power of poetry as a form of resistance and cultural exchange.

A Renewed Focus on Poetry Amidst Shifting Cultural Tides

Whereas the festival’s success demonstrates continued interest in poetry, broader trends suggest a slight decline in readership in 2025. This nuanced situation – a vibrant festival alongside a potential dip in overall engagement – warrants closer examination. The Printemps des Poètes, established in 1999, aims to democratize poetry, extending its reach across France and internationally. The 2026 edition, with actress Isabelle Adjani as its godmother, specifically focused on the theme of freedom, a particularly resonant choice given global events and artistic restrictions in countries like Iran.

Emmanuel Hoog: Leading the Printemps des Poètes into a Latest Era

At the helm of this year’s festival is Emmanuel Hoog, who succeeded Alain Borer as president in 2024 after Borer’s 20-year tenure. Hoog brings a diverse background in culture and media to the role. Currently the director general of Groupe Combat – which includes Radio Nova, Les Inrockuptibles, Rock en Seine, Rough Trade, and Golden Coast – he also serves as vice-president of the Théâtre Musical du Châtelet and co-founder of the Transmission Chéreau association with Pablo Cisneros. His previous experience includes leadership positions at Agence France Presse, the Institut National de l’Audiovisuel, the Piccolo Teatro of Milan, and the Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe, demonstrating a broad and deep engagement with the arts.

The Iranian Spotlight: Poetry as Resistance

The festival’s tribute to Iranian poets, organized in partnership with Reporters Without Borders, featured readings from Mahtab Ghorbani, a poet imprisoned in Iran before seeking exile in France. Her function remains banned in her homeland. The event highlighted the courage of Iranian artists who continue to create despite facing censorship and persecution. Leili Anvar, a scholar of Persian literature at the Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales (Inalco), emphasized the cultural significance of poetry in Iran, noting that Iranians are familiar with verses of poetry and that the tombs of poets are often more revered than those of kings. Anvar read from Forough Farrokhzad’s J’irai jusqu’au rivage du soleil, a collection whose themes of desire and freedom resonate powerfully today.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: Gauging Reader Engagement

While the Printemps des Poètes demonstrates a dedicated following, assessing the broader trend of reader engagement with poetry is more complex. The sources confirm the festival’s continued success and the strong interest within its established audience. However, the statement regarding a slight decline in readership in 2025 lacks specific data or context. It remains unclear what metrics were used to determine this decline, whether it refers to book sales, readership of poetry journals, or attendance at poetry events outside of the festival. Further investigation would be needed to understand the scope and causes of any potential decrease in engagement.

The Process Behind the Printemps des Poètes

The Printemps des Poètes operates through a Council of Administration, which elected Emmanuel Hoog as president. The council held its first meeting under Hoog’s leadership in September, with Paloma Hermina Hidalgo appointed as the new secretary and Marie-Claire Pleros as the new treasurer. The selection of Linda Maria Baros as the new director followed a rigorous process involving over 30 candidates. This structured approach to leadership and administration suggests a commitment to organizational stability and renewal. The festival’s programming is developed through a collaborative process, involving poets, artists, and cultural organizations across France and internationally.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Poetry Engagement

Emmanuel Hoog has emphasized the importance of disseminating poetry in public spaces, particularly among young people, extending beyond the traditional classroom setting. This focus on accessibility and outreach is crucial for fostering a new generation of poetry readers and enthusiasts. The festival’s theme of freedom, coupled with its spotlight on Iranian poets, underscores the power of poetry to address contemporary social and political issues. Whether this approach will counteract any broader decline in readership remains to be seen, but it represents a proactive effort to ensure the continued vitality of poetry in the 21st century.