One of the most positive consequences of the Guadalajara FIL is that it has served to promote, with the help of the Ramon Llull Institute (IRL), new translations of many of the Catalan writers who have been part of the Barcelona delegation. A good part of them have also been published in Mexican publishers, a fact that has opened up the possibility of reaching new readers. Also classics: it was within the framework of the FIL that the first translation of Mercè Rodoreda’s poetry into Spanish was presented, by the Godall publishing house. Translation is being an important topic these days in Guadalajara and, within the framework of the meeting of the publishing sector with President Salvador Illa, Mayor Jaume Collboni and the Minister of Culture, Sònia Hernández, this has been taken advantage of to announce the first International Forum of Translators of Catalan Literature into other languages, which will take place from November 23 to 26, 2026 at the CCCB in Barcelona, promoted by the IRL.
In recent years, the translation of Catalan literature has not only expanded, but has also gained prestige. An example of this is the recent European Literature Prize from the Netherlands for the Dutch translation of the novel I gave you eyes and you looked into the darkness by Irene Solá, which awarded both the author and her translator, Adri Boon. In recent years, the IRL has also organized work sessions for translators of all the languages of a writer, such as Solà herself or Mireia Calafell. The Forum will be the first time that Catalan translators from all over the world will meet in the same place. It will bring together more than 150 professionals from different countries and will combine plenary sessions, workshops, sectoral debates and sector meetings with the aim of being a meeting point but also “a catalyst for new translations, projects and alliances of the Catalan literary and publishing system with the international one.”
President Illa has stated that the forum “is a recognition of the work of translators and a push to make Catalan literature better known.” He has insisted on the desire to internationalize Catalan culture: “we cannot stay locked up at home. We have to go out and explain what we do. Catalonia has to go out, culturally, academically and economically.” Illa also spoke about the collaboration between the City Council and the Government, “we are unbeatable when the city and the Government go hand in hand”, and recalled that they are “working” on the preparation of the Budgets for next year. He has insisted on his commitment to gradually reach the goal of 2% spending on Culture, a demand that has been dragging on in the sector for many years: “great revolutions are made step by step,” he stated.
For his part, Jaume Collboni took advantage of his last day in Guadalajara to begin to take stock of the FIL, which is halfway through. “We have come with everything and we have achieved it with everything,” he assured. The victory “was not obvious” and has been achieved, he insisted, thanks to the complicity with the Catalan Government and with the support of the entire value chain of the publishing world.