Dear audience,
For the first time in the festival’s history, a writer will serve as its patron: Algerian-French author Boualem Sansal, recipient of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade. With his unmistakable voice, he stands for what defines this festival: outstanding international contemporary literature and freedom of expression in the city of freedom.
Sansal, who has already been a guest of the ILB six times, is among the most distinctive voices in contemporary literature, known for his intellectual fearlessness, literary precision, and activist courage. Internationally, he has shaped debates on democracy, memory, and responsibility for many years. In 2024, Sansal was arrested in Algeria and sentenced to five years in prison. Numerous international voices campaigned for his release, including German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. In November 2025, he was pardoned and flown to Germany.
»I believe that nowadays it often seems more useful to remain silent than to speak. Speaking is extremely dangerous. And one knows that it will probably change nothing at all. But as a writer, publisher, bookseller, or journalist, one has a responsibility to society that cannot be avoided. One must accept this responsibility, courageously and with reason. Our societies are completely disoriented. They must rediscover meaning. And who can give people meaning, if not those who write, who speak, the thinkers, the free thinkers.«
Boualem Sansal, in an interview at the Berlin Book Days, 2013
At the opening of the festival on September 03, 2026, Boualem Sansal will deliver welcoming remarks, at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele. In addition, a dedicated event will be held in his honor.
Save the Date:
Opening of the 26th Internationales Literaturfestival Berlin (ILB)
September 3, 2026
Haus der Berliner Festspiele
We are delighted that Boualem Sansal has accepted the role of patron for the 26th Internationales Literaturfestival Berlin.
And we look forward to welcoming you!
Yours,
Lavinia Frey
Photo Boualem Sansal ©Dirk Skiba