Alicante Noir festival opens its second edition with more than 40 guests and thirty activities
The second edition of Alicante Noir brings together a vibrant lineup of more than forty guests and over thirty activities, turning Espacio Séneca into a bustling hub for crime fiction fans. This festival expands beyond traditional literary talks by weaving screenings, panel discussions, and intimate author encounters into a weeklong program. It invites writers, editors, critics, and devoted readers to share ideas, explore storytelling from multiple angles, and celebrate the art of noir—not just on the page, but on screen and in conversation as well.
The opening events start at 17:30 with a welcome from a municipal cultural representative, followed by a keynote from the festival’s competition director and an introduction by the program director. Attendees get an early glimpse of what the festival has in store: insightful conversations, fresh perspectives on crime fiction, and previews of upcoming works that could shape the genre this year. The evening aims to set a tone of curiosity, collaboration, and fearless storytelling for the days ahead.
Alicante Noir beyond literature
After the opening, a roundtable will examine police narratives with the participation of notable writers and critics, moderated by a seasoned editor. Later, readers will have the chance to meet several authors in person, who will discuss how they craft suspense for both the page and the screen. A playful question will guide the discussions: which voice will steer the story next, and who will decide the shape of the next chapter? The festival invites the audience to weigh in on how perspective, voice, and point of view influence crime storytelling.
The first day continues with extended conversations about themes and craft, with one session focusing on the evolving themes in contemporary crime fiction. A dedicated festival bookstore will host book signings starting at 21:00, offering fans the opportunity to connect with authors, discover new voices, and discover hidden corners of the crime fiction world. These moments create a tangible bridge between readers and writers, enriching the experience for everyone in attendance.
On Thursday, two writers will join a round table to discuss the many shades of crime writing, followed by a separate conversation exploring gender and its influence within crime narratives. The goal is to consider how identity, culture, and perspective shape investigations and storytelling choices, both on the page and in visual adaptations. The discussions promise to be thought-provoking and inclusive, inviting diverse viewpoints and lively dialogue.
A featured session will blend poetry, prose, and noir aesthetics as a noted author shares work alongside a moderator. This pairing aims to illuminate how lyricism can illuminate motive, ethics, and the human condition within crime storytelling. The evening is expected to offer a nuanced examination of language, rhythm, and narrative texture that enriches the noir experience.
As a new highlight this year, the festival will screen a classic film noir, inviting comparisons between on-screen tension and contemporary crime writing. Attendees will be encouraged to analyze how fate, urban danger, and visual storytelling interact with the prose on the page, creating a richer, multi-sensory understanding of noir motifs.
Every day Alicante Noir features official merchandise drawings that celebrate the festival’s distinctive visual identity and give fans a tangible keepsake. All events are free to attend, with seats allocated on a first-come basis. Reservations can be made at the festival desk or through the festival portal by providing a name and the chosen attendance date. No personal contact details beyond a name and date are required for reservation purposes.