Independent Hong Kong book fair urges transparency after exhibitors barred under ‘force majeure’

Organisers of an independent Hong Kong book fair have called for openness and transparency after five exhibitors were allegedly barred by authorities without explanation.

Duk6 Duk6, an “indie narrative book fest” that promotes self-published works, is set to hold its fourth edition on November 14 and 15 at The Mills in Tsuen Wan. This year’s fair will feature about 125 exhibitors showcasing comics, novels, zines, animation and games, according to Yun Hyun, a non-profit collective of local creators.

But organisers said over the weekend that five exhibitors had been disqualified from the event due to “force majeure”, which was aroused during the licensing process.

Force majeure – a contract clause covering events beyond the parties’ control – is a staple of venue and event contracts. Yet for many in Hong Kong in recent years, the phrase has increasingly become shorthand for covert political pressure and censorship. The last edition of the book fair, held in early 2025, also encountered censorship against specific exhibitors by venue management.

Yun Hyun did not name the exhibitors that had to withdraw, only saying that the affected exhibitors included comic and novel writers and illustrators. The themes of their works range from local Hong Kong culture to science fiction, the group added. The group also called on the authorities to provide clarity regarding censorship, so that event organisers can better cooperate.