The Philippines is participating at the Angoulême International Comics Festival, taking place at the Musée de la Bande Dessinée in Angoulême, France, from Jan. 25 to Jan. 28.

Drawing in over 200,000 visitors annually, this event serves as an avenue for comic and graphic novel professionals worldwide to establish networks, negotiate rights sales and explore other business prospects. This opportunity allows Filipino komikeros to showcase their work not just to the French public, but also the global audience. Recently, Komiket was announced as the National Book Development Board’s official partner in bringing over 40 titles from various publishers and self-publishers to one of the world’s most prestigious comics festivals.

On Tuesday, Jan. 26, Philippine International Comics Festival Director Paolo Herras presented Filipino comics along with British Comics Scholar Paul Gravett during The Philippines Presents at the Rights Market Conference Room. Artist Renren Galeno raffled off original artwork and signed copies of her graphic novel “Nothing To Lose” at the end of the session.

Makiling Komik Kolektib was also selected as one of the 46 nominees for the 44th edition of the Alternative Comics Award which recognizes the world’s best fanzine and alternative comics production. The winner will be awarded a 1,000 euro grant from the Syndicat des Editeurs Alternatifs and will be invited to the next edition of the comic festival.