FILBo 2025: An encounter between literature and the body

The Bogotá International Book Fair has once again connected literature with the hearts of Colombians . This year's theme, "The Words of the Body," has come to life through the many experiences available to the public. Corporeal expression has become a space for dialogue and encounter about literature, reflection, and the art of writing. These first 11 days, Corferias has been a place of connection through reading for children, adolescents, and adults. The air inside the fair is filled with love and passion for culture and the many stories that tell our reality.

With Spain as the guest country, whose exhibition is located in Hall 4 under the theme "A Culture for Peace," the FILBo has engaged in conversations between the two countries through shared literary traditions and dialogues on poetry, language, wars, and the construction of memory. Specifically, the "In Memoriam" section featured tributes to authors such as Gabriel García Márquez, Mario Vargas Llosa, Jorge Semprún, Ana María Matute, and Almudena Grandes. Furthermore, through the "Poetry Hour" space, visitors were able to enjoy daily recitals by writers who name the world in their verse. Aroa Moreno, Kirmen Uribe, Pilar Adón, and Andrea Cote were some of the invited poets.

Book signings have generated lines that stretched for hours to see figures such as Mario Mendoza, Enrique Bunbury, Elisabet Benavent, and Héctor Abad Faciolince . FILBo has featured prominent figures, authors, and editors from Colombia, Spain, and several writers from Latin America and Europe who have shared their ideas, concerns, and proposals on literature and social and cultural issues through discussions and forums. Authors such as Rosa Montero, Javier Cercas, Laura Restrepo, Elvira Sastre, and Amalia Andrade have filled halls and auditoriums .

Book launches are among the most notable events. Colombian writer Fermina Ponce launched her book "Todo este silencio: relatos sobre mi desorden bipolar" (All This Silence: Stories about My Bipolar Disorder), and politician Humberto de la Calle launched "Muertes y muertecitas" (Deaths and Little Deaths). Meanwhile, the National Library, on the occasion of the centennial of José Eustasio Rivera's "La Vorágine" (The Vortex), presented an edition of the author's playwriting manuscripts.

The top authors in EL TIEMPO

EL TIEMPO and No Es Hora De Callar have been in the literary heart of the city, speaking with authors, booksellers, and activists to bring words from the body to everyone. The five daily segments, broadcast live on social media, have focused on best-selling authors, booksellers, women's and girls' rights, conversations with editors, and useful topics for everyday life.

Author Laura Restrepo spoke with Andrés Mompotes, director of EL TIEMPO, about her novel "I Am the Dagger, I Am the Wound." This discussion addressed topics related to the work's creative process and its relationship to the social reality experienced globally and in the Gaza Strip . "I believe that the future will judge us based on how much we have spoken out or denounced what constitutes genocide," the author stated.

Meanwhile, Héctor Abad Faciolince spoke with Julio César Guzmán about his latest book, "Ahora y en la Hora" (Now and in the Hour). In it, he recounts his trip to Ukraine, where, following a Russian bombing raid, author Victoria Amélina died while dining at a pizzeria. "I'm talking about a victim of press freedom. I'm talking about a woman who was writing a book to denounce Russia's war crimes in the invasion of Ukraine," Abad Faciolince said.

Ayda Luz Valencia was a sensation at the Intermedio Editores and EL TIEMPO booth. In conversation with Jineth Bedoya, she discussed her latest book, "Possessions," and the connection between spirituality, the body, and illness. Don Jediondo (Pedro González) also caused a stir and excited audiences. With his signature humor and amidst joking with the audience, he chatted with the editor about the experiences he recounted in his latest book, "The Day They Laughed at Me."

Franja It's Not Time To Be Silent

The No Time to Be Silent (NEHDC) campaign, in collaboration with UN Women, brought conversations to the fair within the framework of the Beijing + 30 Platform for Action. These focused on the various areas that are part of the commitment to the rights of women and girls agreed upon 30 years ago.

In the talks, women such as Yolanda Perea, activist and human rights defender; Adriana Benjumea, director of Corporación Humanas; Katerin Jurado, director of Sisma Mujer; and Jineth Bedoya, gender editor and director of NEHDC, discussed the progress made and what is needed to continue building a safe and equitable world for women.

LAURA SOFÍA VALENCIA BALLEN - IT'S NOT TIME TO BE SILENT / EL TIEMPO MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM SCHOOL.