The 77th Frankfurt Book Fair commenced Tuesday with an opening ceremony, placing a thematic focus on “Fantasy Inspires the Air”. Beyond its function as a commercial hub for the publishing industry, the fair’s organizers and attending dignitaries emphasized its critical role in fostering international dialogue and safeguarding intellectual freedom, particularly in an era of resurgent nationalism and the rise of authoritarian regimes.
Director Jürgen Boos underscored the fair’s fundamental mission: “The Frankfurt Book Fair connects people”. He highlighted the political imperative of this connection, asserting that in a world increasingly defined by borders and divisions, the ability to bridge differences has become a matter of paramount importance.
Federal Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer echoed this sentiment, stating that the fair represents far more than a marketplace for books: it is a celebration of freedom of expression and the unfettered exploration of ideas. He pointed to the “highly explosive global political situation and the rise of dehumanizing autocracies” as a stark reminder of the vital importance of literature as a force for empathy, tolerance and the challenging of dominant narratives. Weimer positioned original literature as a necessary counterweight to “the incivility of resentment and populist propaganda.
A notable aspect of Weimer’s address was his strong critique of the exploitation of intellectual property by US and Chinese tech giants. He condemned the practice of training artificial intelligence systems on vast quantities of copyrighted material without author consent or compensation, labeling it “digital colonialism”. “They shamelessly exploit the fund of intellectual property around the globe” he declared, demanding a bolstering of copyright protections to prevent the continued degradation of cultures into mere suppliers of raw materials.
The opening ceremony also featured remarks from Hesse’s Minister of Education, Armin Schwarz and Frankfurt’s Mayor, Mike Josef. Senator Loren Legarda, representing the Philippines – this year’s guest of honor – delivered a speech highlighting the nation’s literary and cultural contributions. Performances by the Philippine Madrigal Singers, composer Timothy Roth and poets Merlie Alunan, Marjorie Evasco and Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta rounded out the opening events, showcasing the rich heritage of Philippine artistic expression.
