Joel Winterbert:We wanted something to happen on its 50th anniversary. The Comédie du livre wanted to develop fiction, and Montpellier is home to a whole network of authors as well as editions of 6 Pieds sous terre. It is important to foster imagination at a public festival. The fact that authors introduce their books attracts new readers who were previously hesitant.

How do you explain this reluctance?

I think science fiction has long been considered children’s literature. Then there is the fear that the covers could inspire, such as those designed by Philippe Casa Girls’ nurseries…