“Rusophonia” prize for the best Russian-French translation was presented in France.  The jury that includes famous specialist in the history and philology of the Slavs and literary critics judged forty books of Russian authors, which were published by French typographies.

Prestige Bronze book was shared by edition of Andrew Bely’s poems in translation of Cristin Zeytunyan-Belous and “Story of extinguished moon” of Boris Pilnyak in translation of Sophi Benesh. Both interpreters are recognized linguists and experts of Russian literature.

“Rusophonia” prize was established in 2006. This year it has entered the official list of events dated to Russian-French cross year that is conducted in both countries for the first time.

Every year French accepts cultural seasons devoted to some country. Just the day before there was the ceremony dated to Russian-French year’s opening. For the first time the year is conducted “crossed” in both countries.

In the appeal, published on Russian-French years’ web site, the French President Nicolas Sarkozy stated that both countries are connected by “300 years of privileged relationships”.