Join UNIMA International at the World Festival of Puppet Theatres in Charleville-Mézières
Daily gatherings, talks, and networking opportunities from 21–27 September 2025 — including a special toast with UNIMA’s new leadership
British UNIMA is pleased to share details from UNIMA International, who will be hosting a series of events at the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes (FMTM) in Charleville-Mézières, France, this September.
From 21 to 27 September 2025, UNIMA members and puppetry professionals are invited to connect, reflect, and celebrate the artform together at the Maison des Ailleurs, as part of one of the world’s most iconic puppetry festivals.
If you're attending FMTM, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet international colleagues, hear from the new UNIMA leadership team, explore new publications, and contribute to collaborative conversations across borders.
🥂 Daily Happy Apéros (22–26 September)
Join UNIMA International in the courtyard of the Maison des Ailleurs for daily informal gatherings from 5:00–7:00 PM, a relaxed setting to meet other artists, share ideas, and enjoy a drink together.
📍 Location: Maison des Ailleurs – Courtyard
🗓️ Dates: Monday 22 – Friday 26 September
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎉 Programme Highlights
Sunday 21 September
🕔 5:00 – 7:00 PM
🌿 International Day of Peace – Garden of Peace Gathering
An evening of creativity, reflection and solidarity to mark World Peace Day.
Monday 22 September
🤝 Friendship Toast with the New UNIMA Leaders
Meet UNIMA’s new Executive Committee in an informal setting and learn more about the organisation’s direction for the next four years.
Tuesday 23 September
📖 Presentation of UNIMAGAZINE
Explore UNIMA’s new international publication — a celebration of puppetry from across the globe.
🔗 More info
Wednesday 24 September
🌍 Collaboratorium – National Centre Collaborations
Discover inspiring joint initiatives between UNIMA centres worldwide.
🔗 www.unima.org
Thursday 25 September
🇨🇿 Czech Aperitif
A toast hosted by UNIMA Czech Republic, as we look ahead to UNIMA’s 100th anniversary celebrations in Prague, 2029.
Friday 26 September
🎭 Networking Party!
Celebrate the end of the week with a lively gathering of artists, organisers, and international guests from the puppetry world.
📚 Symposium: “Têtes chercheuses” – Women, Writing, and Puppetry
Saturday 27 September
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 75 Avenue Forest, Charleville-Mézières
This thought-provoking event is part of an ongoing project exploring autobiographical writing, women, and puppetry. Organised by the Pôle International de la Marionnette, the session will include presentations and conversations with:
Cristina Grazioli
Cariad Astles
Felice Amato
Roberta Colombo
Alissa Mello
Magali Chouinard
Yael Rasooly
Raven Kaliana
Zahra Sabri
Who Should Attend?
These events are open to UNIMA members, artists, researchers, festivalgoers and anyone interested in global puppetry exchange. Whether you're presenting work at FMTM or just visiting, these sessions offer insight, inspiration, and connection.
For more details on UNIMA International events:
📩 contact@unima.org
🌐 www.unima.org
If you're a UK-based artist attending the festival this September, we encourage you to take part in these UNIMA-hosted gatherings — a chance to build bridges, share ideas, and meet colleagues from across the puppetry world.
Let us know if you plan to attend!