Alicante Noir expands beyond crime writing with a broader festival spectrum
Alicante Noir marks its second edition by widening its reach from classic black literature to embrace crime fiction in its many forms. The festival commits to presenting the genre through drama, cinema, literary agents, screenwriters, and communications, while spotlighting a broader community of professionals who shape the field.
The event runs from September 21 to 25, adopting a new home at Espacio Séneca and expanding into nearby spaces. The program features more than 30 events, including roundtable discussions, author meetings, autograph sessions, film screenings, a children’s workshop, and an encounter with local young writers—a fresh element this year. The lineup aims for gender parity, with around fifty participating authors, about half of them women.
Among the featured writers are Monica Rouane, Benjamin Prado, Manel Loureiro, Marina Sanmartín, Cristina Higueras, Carlos Bassas del Rey, Reyes Calderón, Pere Cervantes, María Sure, Blas Ruiz Grau, Elia Barceló, Mikel Santiago, Men Marías, Benito Olmo, Carlos Salem, Myriam Imedio, Jon Sistiaga, Victor del Tree, and Arantxa Portabales. These names headline a diverse edition that highlights multiple facets of the crime genre.
Also planned are roundtable conversations with Alejandro Gallo, Evelyn Kassner, and Monica Nombela as they explore the evolution of police fiction. Editorial teams and publishers will participate in discussions on promotion and public relations, with Gori Dolz representing author management and Sandra Bruna acting as literary agent for several participants.
The festival features engaging conversations with writers across various media, including documentary filmmakers and screenwriters. Notable speakers will discuss themes from suspense to true crime, including recent discoveries and adaptations. This edition seeks to reflect the interconnected nature of crime storytelling across books and screen.
“Alicante Noir is a festival created by and for the professionals, experts, and communicators of crime fiction, with independence at its core,” states the festival director. The program emphasizes presenting the most current and compelling material to audiences, broadening beyond traditional detective narratives to include thrillers, mysteries, and investigative storytelling with cinematic potential.
Another standout feature is the focus on local talent with meetings featuring Jorge Zaragoza, Fernando Ugeda, and Marian Pastor, highlighting homegrown writers who are often overlooked by larger publishing houses. The aim is to balance recognition between major authors and emerging voices from the city.
During the opening talks, representatives from the Cultural Council and the Youth and Equality department emphasize the festival’s goal of expanding the scope of authors and events. Their aim is to elevate the quality of programming and strengthen cultural ties within the community. Feedback from the first edition is cited as proof of a growing literary demand in the city, reinforcing the festival’s ongoing relevance.
Movies
One of the festival’s most notable innovations in this second edition is the inclusion of three film screenings. They honor the audiovisual heritage of noir and thriller cinema, bringing classic titles to the big screen for audiences to experience in person. Viewers can expect a sequence of carefully chosen works that illuminate the evolution of crime storytelling in cinema.
Screenings include a standout selection such as a film adaptation from a celebrated director, a crime-centered drama based on a popular novel, and a modern production acclaimed with major awards. These screenings connect literary crime with its cinematic counterparts, offering a richer, more immersive experience for attendees.
Best Novel Awards
The festival announces the finalists for its best novel prize published in 2021. The two finalists are recognized for their contributions to contemporary crime fiction, with the winner and final selections revealed during the event. A twenty-person jury, composed of writers, professionals, and readers, contributed to the pre-selection process, recommending several titles for consideration. The final decision is announced on the day of the awards ceremony, with Cultural Council and Youth and Equality representatives in attendance to witness the debrief and celebrate the chosen work.
The roundtable discussions on Saturday afternoon feature participants chosen by the jury. The anonymous evaluation process relies on the expertise of a diverse group, ensuring a broad range of perspectives. The final decisions are made in the morning, with the involvement of festival organizers and municipal representatives, underscoring the collaborative nature of the event.