This weekend marks the 25th anniversary of the Stockholm International Comics Festival. In Kulturhuset Stadsteatern, reading enthusiasts, publishers and cartoonists gather to celebrate.
For two days, the premises in Kulturhuset Stadsteatern are filled with talks, comics market, film screenings, exhibitions and workshops. A number of international series greats are participating, including Tara Booth (USA), Darryl Cunningham (England) and Patrick Gaumer (France). But also the Swedish debutant Iris Hautaniemi.
Her serial novel “Ensam ung kvinna søker” was published in February and has had a great impact. Among other things, she was named by DN as one of spring’s literary stars.
The novel is autobiographical and is about expectations, being young and in love, she says. But also about how quickly feelings can disappear.
With festivals like this, she also hopes that comics get a place on the Swedish literature map.
Ola Hellsten also believes that there are dusty prejudices that remain. At the same time, he sees that interest in comics is growing among young people again, especially for manga.
“Swedish series are really in a golden age”, he said. “Before the weekend, the hope is now that people will come here and have real fun. But also that we should attract a younger audience and that curiosity is awakened in more people.”
