Since 2016, Novembre Numérique has explored major contemporary transformations through the lens of digital cultures. It serves as a unique space for international exchange, reflection, and innovation. 

The 2024 edition highlighted a variety of themes reflecting current concerns and opportunities in the digital world. Sports took center stage in response to the Olympic year in France, with initiatives blending technology and athletic performance, such as esports tournaments and interactive exhibitions. Artificial intelligence was also a key topic, examining its role in artistic creation, its impact on daily life, and the ethical challenges it raises. 

A strong focus was placed on the challenges of environmentally responsible digital practices, featuring projects on sustainable and inclusive technological solutions aimed at reducing the digital divide and expanding access to cultural innovations. 

This 8th edition of Novembre Numérique offered a vibrant and multifaceted lineup, presented in various formats: workshops, exhibitions, performances, esports tournaments, professional meetings, and more. A wide range of events took place worldwide, including the following highlights:

• Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Czechia: An International Trackmania Video Game Tournament 

With qualifying rounds held in several cities—including Budapest, Debrecen, and Szeged—thanks to the collaboration of Alliances Françaises, participants from Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Czechia took part in an international Trackmania video game tournament. The best players from each country competed in a grand final at the Institut français in Hungary, in Budapest.

Designed in partnership with Ubisoft Nadeo, this event not only brought together gaming enthusiasts from across the region but also showcased French expertise in the video game industry.

• In Madagascar: A Multidisciplinary and Inclusive Programme 

The Institut français de Madagascar welcomed nearly 14,000 participants both in person and online through interactive and educational activities, including VR and video game presentations and a masterclass on augmented reality led by two French specialists.

Esports played a central role in this programme with the creation of Madagascar’s first local league for PUBG Mobile, drawing thousands of online spectators. Additionally, the creators of TEKKEN met with over a hundred players during an exclusive event. Meanwhile, a hackathon, co-organized with P4H and Mass IN, encouraged young developers to showcase their creativity in a digital innovation competition.

• In Kenya: XR Showcase and Training with Moi Fauve 

A major highlight in Nairobi was the presentation of Moi Fauve, a virtual reality experience by Joséphine Derobe and Claire Allante. This immersive project captivated the Kenyan audience while inspiring local creators, who also showcased four mixed-reality works.

XR training sessions allowed participants to develop their own projects with the guidance of experts such as Mathieu Gayet, editor-in-chief of XRmust, and Michelle Ziegler, director of the NewImages Festival.

• In Canada: Immersive Creations in Public Spaces 

In Toronto, artist Maxime Touroute led a hybrid residency with seven students from OCAD University. Together, they designed interactive video mappings, which were showcased at the Royal Ontario Museum and the university, attracting over 2,000 visitors. 

The French cultural network abroad fully leveraged the resources provided by the Institut français to enrich their projects and reach new audiences:

• La Sélection VR, highlighting French virtual reality creations, was showcased at numerous events worldwide.
• Unlock, a collection of digital cultural content for mobile devices (smartphones, tablets), enabled the presentation of a wide variety of works.
• Escape, Générations numériques, a new exhibition by the Institut français, was launched as part of this eighth edition of Novembre Numérique. 

Novembre Numérique remains a key moment for exploring digital transformations, fostering connections between cultures, and strengthening international collaborations. This 8th edition reaffirmed its essential role in global cultural dynamics and laid the groundwork for even more ambitious future editions.