The Festival interculturel du conte de Montréal has partnered with four spoken-word arts organizations from across Canada to present, outside of the main festival, the 4th edition of the "Combat des contes de la Francophonie" (Francophonie Storytelling Showdown), a project that promotes the reach of storytelling to Canadian and international audiences. Five public figures will champion and defend the universal values of a tale drawn from the Francophone repertoire.
The project will first unfold online, from February 23 to April 1, 2026, through a public voting campaign, followed by a live "oral showdown" before an audience at the Auditorium of the Grande Bibliothèque (BAnQ) in Montréal on Saturday, March 21 at 2 p.m.
At a time when reference points feel unstable and public discourse is increasingly fragmented, storytelling remains an essential space for expression. By bringing five tales into dialogue with five public figures, the Combat des contes de la Francophonie invites audiences to reflect on which story best helps us understand our human contradictions and navigate the present moment.
Online public vote
Videos of the five tales will be presented online by storytellers from diverse backgrounds. The public will be invited to watch and vote for the tale that most clearly illuminates our world today and whose universal values have the power to transcend time.
The ultimate showdown at the Grande Bibliothèque
During a unique event on March 21, 2026, at the Grande Bibliothèque (BAnQ) in Montréal, each tale's patron will engage in a friendly yet spirited debate before a live audience, defending their chosen story and the messages and lessons it carries. The free event will unfold in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, moderated by Rose-Aimée Automne T. Morin.
This year's patrons
Five public figures have committed to defending one tale online and on stage:
Safia Nolin, singer-songwriter, will defend "Moitié de coq" (told by Fano Maddix).
Guyaume Boulianne, multidisciplinary artist: "The Fisherman and His Wife" (Clara Dugas).
Gilles Bibeau, medical anthropologist: "Maïmouna, the Wisest in the Village" (Djennie Laguerre).
Fabrice Vil, certified integral development coach: "The Secret of Vanilla" (Mafane).
Marie-Michèle Boulanger, forensic psychiatrist: "The Hunter and the Guardian of the Andes" (Marta Singh).
The debate will be hosted and moderated by Rose-Aimée Automne T. Morin, known for her sharp wit, intellectual curiosity and humanistic, inclusive approach.
At the end of the project, the crowned tale will not be deemed the "best" in a competitive sense, but rather the one that most powerfully resonates, in these turbulent times, with the universal values worth defending.
The Combat des contes de la Francophonie is co-organized by the Festival interculturel du conte de Montréal, the Centre franco-ontarien de Folklore, the Maison des arts de la parole, the Société acadienne de Clare and Les Compagnons de la mise en valeur du patrimoine vivant de Trois-Pistoles.
