2024-09-22 18:31:00
The twenty-fifth edition has closed. The city’s applause for the new Campiello-winning writer. Appointment time from 17 to 21 September 2025
«For five days we were the library of the world». Also thanks to the suggestion of the new videomapping project which in the evening, throughout the festival, transformed the facades of the city buildings into the most famous historical libraries, the 25th edition of Pordenonelegge closed on Sunday 22 September. Many sold-out meetings, long queues, many young people: «The seed of the culture of reading, planted 25 years ago, is now sprouting» say the organizers in a quick assessment, awaiting the official figures on participation (and on book sales, which, as we already know, exceed 20 thousand copies last year).
The impression is that of a system that works and involves the whole city and the territory, now well-established but always looking for possible variations: «An open construction site». It is a festival that wants to tell the story of history and the present but seen through literature and those who make it, to “go deeper, understand”. The appointment is now from 17 to 21 September 2025 the next edition. Immediately, from 1 October to 27 November, The Fuori_città autumn meeting program is underway.
Among the many guests on the final day, also Federica Manzon on her first outing after the victory at Campiello with Alma (Feltrinelli): «I wanted to talk about identity, which is not defined only by the language or the place you live but by many things in constant movement». She, who is at home in Pordenone (she was born there in 1981), received the applause of the festival-city. And the many requests for signed copies, selfies or even just handshakes.
In the afternoon, as moderator, Manzon had a dialogue with the Basque writer Fernando Aramburu, at the festival with The child (Guanda), a novel born from a terrible true story: an accident which, in 1981, destroyed a school in the Basque Country, killing fifty children between the ages of 5 and 6. The writer remembers when he learned about the explosion from the radio, “a memory that has never stopped questioning me.” On the real risk of falling into rhetoric when talking about such a tragedy, Aramburu explains that, before tackling a novel, he looks for its tone, its form, its “linguistic personality”. Which here goes by subtraction, direct and sparse like the language of the Basques. «A literary expedient was to let the text itself intervene in some points. I wanted to make a portrait of my peers, a chronicle of reality.” When asked about identity he replies that yes, the language, the poems learned as a child, the food, the places are part of him, but identity is made up of many things, it changes over time. And above all it can never be a wall, nor an imposition: “Then it leads to nationalism, and I can’t stay there.”
September 22, 2024 (modified September 22, 2024 | 8:26 pm)
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Interview between the Time.news Editor and Literature Expert at the Conclusion of Pordenonelegge 2024
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone. We’re here today to reflect on the incredible accomplishments of the 25th edition of Pordenonelegge. Joining us is Dr. Sofia Verdi, a renowned literature expert and one of the festival’s keynote speakers. Sofia, thank you for being with us today.
Dr. Sofia Verdi: Thank you for having me. It’s been a truly extraordinary week in Pordenone!
Editor: Absolutely! The festival atmosphere was palpable this year, especially with the impressive new videomapping project that transformed the city’s buildings into iconic historical libraries. How did you feel that contributed to the overall experience?
Dr. Verdi: It was magnificent! The visuals were breathtaking, and they certainly enriched the experience. By turning the city into a vivid reflection of literary history, it not only celebrated the past but also fostered a deeper connection with ongoing literary discourse. It felt as though the city herself was part of the storytelling tradition.
Editor: The organizers mentioned that “the seed of the culture of reading, planted 25 years ago, is now sprouting.” What are your thoughts on the evolution of this festival over the years?
Dr. Verdi: It’s remarkable to see how Pordenonelegge has grown from a small gathering into a major cultural event. The festival’s commitment to inclusivity—bringing together writers, readers, and academics—has really flourished. You can sense that this is a living, breathing entity that evolves along with the literature and culture of our time.
Editor: This year also saw the debut of Federica Manzon after her Campiello victory with Alma. She touched on the notion of identity being influenced by various factors beyond language and geography. How do you interpret her insights in today’s context?
Dr. Verdi: Federica’s perspective is incredibly relevant, especially in our interconnected world. Identity is indeed a mosaic of influences—cultural, historical, and personal. Her idea of identity being in constant movement resonates with many people today, particularly younger generations who navigate multiple cultures and experiences. Her homecoming to Pordenone adds another layer, emphasizing the local influence on one’s identity narrative.
Editor: Young people were seen flocking to the festival in large numbers this year. Why do you think there has been such a strong turnout from the youth?
Dr. Verdi: This speaks to a growing thirst for literature and authentic experiences among younger audiences. They are searching for depth in storytelling, whether through novels, poetry, or lectures. Festivals like Pordenonelegge provide a vivid space for that exploration. Additionally, engaging formats like panels and interactive sessions draw them in, making literature feel more accessible and relatable.
Editor: Looking ahead to the next edition scheduled for September 17-21, 2025, what do you hope to see evolve in the festival?
Dr. Verdi: I’d love to see a stronger emphasis on emerging voices, especially those from diverse backgrounds. There’s a wealth of untapped talent that deserves a platform. Furthermore, continuing to innovate with multimedia presentations, like the videomapping we saw this year, will ensure the festival remains dynamic and continues to attract new audiences.
Editor: Thank you so much, Sofia. Your insights into the festival and the world of literature are invaluable. Here’s to another 25 years of celebrating stories and ideas in Pordenone!
Dr. Verdi: Thank you for the conversation! I look forward to witnessing the growth of this wonderful festival in the coming years.
