Julio Verne, His Fiction Became a Reality in Havana

After two days of debates, keynote speeches and exhibitions, the 2nd International Vernian Congress, which brought together researchers and scholars from eight countries, will conclude today in Havana.

Held at the Victor Hugo House-Museum in Old Havana, the event focused on the analysis of the life and work of outstanding French writer, poet and playwright, Julio Verne (1828-1905), considered one of the greatest exponents of science fiction and the second most translated author in the world.

In addition to the presentation of papers, the program included the launching of books and the screening of films.

Today's agenda includes an exchange on the Vernian influence in Cuban science fiction and its writers, with the participation of Jose Miguel Sanchez (Yoss), among other initiatives.

The president of the Jules Verne Hispanic Society, Ariel Perez, told Prensa Latina that the first edition of the event took place in Barcelona in 2013 and Havana was chosen this time due to the high cultural level of this city and the great reception of the Vernian literature in the Caribbean nation.

The slogan of the Congress is 'The special trips by Julio Verne.' The event was sponsored by the French embassy in Cuba, the Cuban Book Institute, the French Alliance, the Cuban Film Institute and the Association of Latin American and Caribbean Historians, among other entities.