Sharjah: This year's Xposure International Photography Festival features an incredible lineup of the world's top photojournalists, each presenting solo exhibitions that capture humanity's struggles, triumphs, and untold stories. From war zones to vanishing ecosystems, these visual storytellers offer a transformative journey through their lenses.
According to Emirates News Agency, the festival is hosted in a new venue in Sharjah's vibrant district of Aljada. Xposure 2025 is set to reaffirm its reputation as a path-defining event for visual storytelling, taking place from 20th to 26th February 2025.
With an agenda showing visual mastery that spans continents, cultures, and critical global issues, visitors will have the exclusive chance to view exhibitions and learn directly from these visionaries through a series of talks and discussions. These sessions provide insight into the techniques and philosophies that drive their work.
The festival highlights photographers who have dedicated their careers to shining light on pressing global issues. James Nachtwey's 'Geography of War' exhibition offers a look at conflict zones, while Sir Don McCullin's 'Life, Death, and Everything In Between' reflects on a lifetime of documenting conflicts and bringing groundbreaking stories to the public. These images serve as a testament to the enduring impact of photojournalism in shaping public awareness and discourse.
Cinzia Canneri's 'Women' sheds light on female victims of gender violence in war zones, focusing on Eritrean women fleeing repression to find refuge in Ethiopia between 2017 and 2020. Veronique de Viguerie's 'La Vie En Rose' showcases her ability to capture graceful moments in conflict zones that challenge the cliche of war.
Xposure 2025 will host numerous talks addressing contemporary challenges in photojournalism. In the panel discussion, 'Challenging the Integrity of Truth,' award-winning photojournalists Svetlana Bachevanova, Muhammed Muheisen, Santiago Lyon, Salim Amin, Maria Mann, and Veronique De Viguerie will explore the role of photography in shaping public perception and trust. 'Framing Hunger,' featuring Lys Arango, will reveal the complexities and lived experiences of communities facing this crisis, while 'Colour in Photojournalism,' led by Pascal Maitre, will present how colour enhances the emotional and narrative power of images.
The rise of smartphone technology has democratised photography, enabling real-time documentation of events by the public. Xposure 2025 addresses this trend with workshops like 'How to Capture the Best Photographs from Your Smartphone,' empowering participants to maximise their device's potential.
Xposure also honours prolific photojournalists who have passed on; Salim Amin will present 'The Mohamed Amin Collection,' honouring the legacy of his father, the distinguished African photojournalist Mohamed Amin.
By bringing together this group of photojournalists, the festival recognises their contributions to the field while providing a platform for public engagement with their work. Through exhibitions, talks, and discussions, Xposure 2025 offers an opportunity to experience the world through the eyes of those who have dedicated their lives to capturing its most compelling stories.
