Canadian writer of Congolese origin, Blaise Ndala, is among the ten authors selected in the prestigious Prix des 5 continents (P5C) organized by the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). A short list unveiled on Thursday, November 21, 2021, which marks the selection of the ten best books presented to the Jury of the 145 applications received. The Congolese author stands out even more in the world of literature after winning the Kourouma Prize 2021, awarded at the Geneva Book Fair for his novel “Dans le ventre du Congo”.
Blaise Ndala is among the ten authors selected to win the 20th edition of the Prix des 5 continents organized by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). A selection made by six reading committees who selected 10 works representing 10 countries from a list of 145 applications submitted. Congolese-born author Blaise Ndala was selected for his latest novel, Dans le ventre du Congo. A masterpiece for which he has already won the Kourouma Prize 2021 at the Geneva Book Fair.
The winner will be announced on 16 December after a final selection by the International Jury chaired by Paula Jacques (France-Egypt), among the ten writers selected by the reading committees. It will then be up to the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) to promote the laureate’s work on the international literary scene for an entire year.
Full interview of Blaise Ndala on his book “Le ventre du Congo” to watch here:
Note that the Prix des cinq continents was created in 2001 by the OIF. Each year, it rewards an original French-language narrative text (novel, narrative and short story collection). With €15,000 for the winner and €5,000 for the special mention, the Prix des cinq continents de la Francophonie is an opportunity to highlight literary talents that reflect the expression of French-language cultural and editorial diversity on all five continents and to promote them on the international stage.
The presentation is scheduled for March 20, 2022, on the sidelines of the International Day of La Francophonie, which will be celebrated as part of the Dubai Universal Exhibition in the United Arab Emirates.
The ten finalists selected for the twentieth edition are: Those who stayed there by Jeanne Truong (France-Cambodia) ed. Gallimard (France); Dans le ventre du Congo by Blaise Ndala (Congo-Canada) ed. Mémoire d’encrier (Canada-Québec); Héritage de Miguel Bonnefoy (France-Venezuela) éd. Rivages (France); Le Jardin du Lagerkommandant by Anton Stoltz (Canada-Quebec) ed. Maurice Nadeau (France); Les Lumières d’Oujda by Marc Alexandre OHO Bambe (Cameroon-France) ed. Calmann-Lévy (France); Les Orphelins de Bessora (France-Gabon) ed. JC Lattès (France); Le Palais des deux collines de Karim Kattan (France-Palestine) ed. Elyzad (Tunisia); Pas même le bruit d’un fleuve d’Hélène Dorion (Canada-Québec) éd. Alto (Canada-Quebec); Soleil à coudre de Jean d’Amérique (Haïti) éd. Actes Sud (France); Les villages de Dieu d’Emmelie Prophète (Haïti) éd. Memory of inkwell (Canada-Quebec).
