The Moscow publisher’s week event recently took place in the Russian capital for four days, from July 9 to July 12. The event aimed to promote Russian contemporary literature across the globe. The event gathered publishers, translators, editors and licensing experts from 13 countries. These countries included Argentina, Brazil, China, Egypt, Mexico, the UAE, Serbia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Syria and Kyrgyzstan.
Moscow was well represented by more than 30 publishing houses from Russia. Approximately 200 business meetings took place with discussions taking place amongst literary agents, editors, legal experts and licensing specialists. The meetings focused on discussing industry trends, unpacking experiences in the implementation of artificial technologies and exploring development prospects.
Participants were also given the opportunity to analyse the Russian book market and discuss specialised online services. They also explored the nuances of digital content consumption.The inaugural session of the “Arab Translation Workshop” was held alongside the business program, at the House of Creativity in Peredelkino. The aim was to enhance international relations and introduce foreign readers to new Russian authors.
During the project, novice and seasoned translators from Egypt and Syria engaged with texts by contemporary Russian authors. They participated in master classes and interacted with prominent Arabist scholars, writers and students from Moscow’s oriental studies. This initiative enhanced the presence of Russian literature in Arab nations, fostered cultural bonds and introduced new talents for foreign publishers and readers.
Various other events and programmes took place alongside the business events during Moscow’s publisher’s week. These included the discussion “The Latin American publishing industries. What drives the markets in the post-COVID era?” which featured representatives from top publishers in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. Participants shared insights into the development of one of the world’s greatest book markets and discussed the factors influencing its growth after the COVID-19 pandemic.
There was a session called, “New players on the market: digital platforms and ecosystems as the key elements of the modern publishing reality in Russia”. The participants in this session engaged with key players in book services and eco systems, various subscription formats and the nuances of digital content consumption.
Among many other events, was one called, “Prospective Book Market of the Greater Middle East: Myth or Reality?’’. This event focused on the Arab publishing market’s potential as a significant global player. Furthermore publishers from Egypt discussed future prospects of the Middle East book industry, highlighting its consistent role in the international market.
Russian Literature
The landscape of Russian literature has undergone significant changes in recent years. A new generation of writers, largely untethered to the collective trauma of the chaotic 1990s, has emerged. Their work is influenced by personal experiences and diverse backgrounds, leading to a literary polyphony.
There is also a growing interest in unique and specific geographic settings, reflecting a shift from the previously generic settings. Female voices have come to dominate contemporary Russian literature, and there is a growing preference for non-traditional novel elements, such as fictionalized autobiography. These changes indicate a significant transformation in Russia’s literary scene.
ALSO READ: Vladimir Putin proposes future establishment of BRICS Parliament
