In the realm of South African documentary photography and filmmaking, Jodi Windvogel is dedicated to dismantling stereotypes and casting a probing gaze upon vital social issues encompassing land, memory, gender and displacement. Through her lens, Jodi captures the intricate threads of human experiences, weaving an intimate and authentic tapestry that forges connections between her subjects and spectators. Her project, The Body at Risk, is a deeply personal endeavour, reflecting her unwavering commitment to reshaping narratives and amplifying the resilience and fortitude of marginalised communities, with the ultimate aim of fostering empathy, dialogue and transformative societal evolution.

As both a visual storyteller and a filmmaker, Jodi strives to present novel viewpoints, inviting audiences to reevaluate preconceptions and embrace a more expansive, compassionate view. About "The Body at Risk" In South Africa, gender-based violence afflicts a staggering 25% of women, subjecting them to physical and/or sexual violence. The country grapples with a haunting prevalence of rape, with 250 out of 100,000 women falling victim, as per a 2016/17 report.

Her project, The Body at Risk, delves into the landscape shaped by this crisis, spotlighting often hidden stories. Through evocative photographs, it aims to visually highlight women's safety issues, unveiling the psychological burdens faced in South Africa. The project strives to echo the unfolding trauma and explore enduring repercussions.

Focussed on sites of violence, it entails extensive research and visits across South Africa’s Western Cape province to capture 30-40 landscapes devoid of human presence - houses, bedrooms, desolate fields, all witnesses to heinous acts.
This contemporary endeavour engages in a dialogue without exploitation, offering poignant memorials that compel reflection on overlooked spaces. These images serve as stark reminders of the burdens borne by women, emphasising the imperative for enhanced safety measures in South Africa.

Juan Carlos Reyes is an Oaxacan documentary photographer with more than 30 years of experience, whose passion is to contribute to the biocultural memory of Oaxaca Mexico through photographic documentation of its landscape and customs.
He has documented environmental and nature conservation issues as he has worked with international organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council FSC in Germany, Poland, Malaysia, and Mexico. He is the author of the book “The Women Who Did Not Leave” with the Oaxacan Women Institute in 2003.

He has collaborated on books such as Women, Work, and Health from the Sociological Research Institute of the Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca published in 2001; Memorial of Grievances Oaxaca 2006 of Traffickers of Dreams in 2009; The Barbaric Mexico of the 21st Century Accumulation of UAS/UAM Capital. His work is in the José F. Gómez collection of the Álvarez Bravo Photography Center.
He is a member of the National System of Mexican Creators. About "Guardians of Mother Language" The indigenous language is among the forms of expression of intangible heritage in the world. It is therefore important to be aware that as indigenous languages disappear, the culture and identity of large numbers of indigenous people also disappear. The main objective of this project is to make a series of portraits, and audio postcards as well as a documentary record that shows the environment of these communities and preserves the identity of the inhabitants: indigenous people who fight not to let their mother tongue die. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, INEGI, the state with the largest indigenous population in Mexico is Oaxaca, located in the south of the country, and is characterized by having a higher percentage of speakers of indigenous languages, at the national level Oaxaca concentrates 16.6% of the population speaking an indigenous language with 15 mother tongues.

Markus Naarttijärvi grew up in the mining town of Kiruna in the far north of Sweden and spent his youth exploring and photographing the industrial areas of the mining towns where his family lived. After having completed his military service as a photographer he worked as a photojournalist for a few years before pursuing an academic career in law. He currently works as a full professor of law at Umeå University, where his research and teaching revolve around constitutional rights and the rule of law, in particular the intersection of technology, security, and human rights. His photographic projects are focused on the natural and industrial landscapes of the north, with a particular fondness for documenting the solitude of the winter darkness. About "Hinterland" Northern Sweden is currently undergoing a green industrial transformation. Investments in large scale battery production reignite one region, as new paper and steel mills are developed to reduce emissions from previously CO2 intensive industries in others. The arctic mining town of Kiruna is uprooted and moved to make place for expanded iron-ore mining, while further mining concessions in the area aim to make Europe self-sufficient in rare-earth minerals crucial for the green transition. While vitally important, these projects also impact other important interests, such as the protection of the surrounding natural and cultural environments and the interests of surrounding communities. Mining in the arctic also impact the rights of the indigenous Sami people dependent on these lands for reindeer herding. Consequently, while this industrial transformation contributes to investments in the north, it also reignites simmering debates about the distribution of the burdens and profits of these developments.

In the project Hinterland, these developments will be explored through documentary landscape photography, visualizing the liminal spaces between the profitable and the untamed, and the interactions between function and beauty in the arctic landscape. The aim is to bring to the surface underlying narratives of this industrial transformation through its manifestation in the natural and cultural landscape.

Shina Peng is an environmental portrait photographer based in Taipei, New York City and Tokyo. Currently she resides in Brooklyn. Her international upbringing as a Taiwanese American born and raised in Japan heavily impacts the themes she explores in her artwork. Through her work she questions society's definition of identity and attempts to understand her own background. She focuses on moments of the "in-between", the intersectionality, and the dichotomies that people exist in. Shina's work focuses on the beauty in the mundane. Her nostalgic narratives are unexperienced memories that romanticize the repetitions of daily life. About "Furusato" "Furusato (Home)" is a promise I made to my grandfather before he passed away in 2018.
My grandfather was born in 1922 in Linxiang, Hunan. He left Linxiang in 1941 and would return for the first time 40 years later in 1988. He left without knowing that he would run away to Taiwan and lose contact with his mother as he fought in the war.

When I was younger my parents would tell me I was from Taiwan. I was reminded of my Chinese heritage only when my grandfather returned to Hunan every Lunar New Year to pay respect to his parents and give back to his relatives. The relationship between Japan, China, and Taiwan was a source of the uncertainty I felt with my own identity. When my grandfather passed away, I felt it was time I acknowledged my roots in China. This project is my attempt at understanding where we come from. It will photograph my father and my journey back to my grandfather’s hometown in Linxiang, Hunan.

Vanessa Vettorello is an Italian photographer born in 1985. In 2017 she was selected for Eddie Adams Workshop XXX, in New York, and she’s a member of Women Photograph. With her background in Psychology, Vanessa’s documentary work explores the notions of perception, identity and modernity. Her projects were exhibited at Les Rencontres d’Arles, Museo del Cinema di Torino, Fondazione Marangoni in Florence and Head On Festival in Sydney. About "Wandering Star" "Wandering Star" is the second phase of an ongoing exploration into strabismus, a condition that significantly impacted my childhood. Through an analysis of my memories, archival materials, and engagement with others who have experienced strabismus, I am reevaluating how an illness can influence one's identity and self-perception.

Strabismus is quite common, affecting approximately 4% of the population, and its effects extend beyond mere aesthetics. This project is situated within the realm of contemporary documentary photography and is a part of a larger endeavor focused on disability.

Alex Velasco is a Salvadoran-Californian filmmaker based in Los Angeles. Influenced early in life to pursue storytelling by a neighbor in San Salvador who was a wartime AP photographer, the intensity of his images, juxtaposed by the meticulous care given to capturing the most vulnerable states of humanity, left a lasting impression. Thus, Alex strives to create images with depth, meaning, and tender complexity that respectfully amplify the truth. Alex has a deep passion for life-affirming stories, emotionally charged imagery, and captivating and thought-provoking aesthetics, but perhaps above all else: for the act of creating. After earning a BA in Film and TV production with a focus on Directing, and nearly a decade working as a producer (most notably on the hit Discovery travel show “Expedition Unknown,” and the critically acclaimed A24 documentary film “Val”), Alex’s itch to create transitioned him into cinematography. Most recently, he has worked as a Director of Photography on short films, music videos, documentaries, commercials, and a few independent features. About "El Grano De Oro" I am the son of a fourth-generation coffee farmer and agricultural engineer from El Salvador... and I am the first generation to not be involved in the production of coffee in any way. We moved to the US when I was young, after the coffee industry had been ravaged by years of political issues. I watched my father wrestle with his identity as an immigrant in a country that did not value his former training or education, and it was both heartbreaking and eye-opening. A simple sip of coffee in the morning has so much meaning, and I want to tell the powerful and poignant story of coffee, and the people who cultivate it in El Salvador. From surviving a bloody civil war and record-breaking violence in the decades that followed, El Salvador is finally returning to the trade that was once its pride and identity. This documentary will tell the tale of the resilience and convalescence of the Salvadoran people, and the insurmountable power of hope in dire circumstances, as these people have rinsed the literal and figurative blood off of their coffee beans and continue to work toward cultivating a healthier future for the generations to come.

Dike Su is a photographer specializing in weather and science. He studies at the Communication University of China. He continues to explore the possibility of cross-disciplinary fusion of various images, and strives to disseminate scientific images of professional quality. In 2019, he carried his camera into the deep core of super Typhoon Lejima and Typhoon Mina, and captured a large number of pictures of the disaster weather. In 2020, when the Yangtze River Basin broke out in a major flood, he carried a mobile phone into the deep flood of the Yangtze River Basin to show the audience the real flood. In 2021, Shengze tornado, typhoon fireworks, and a variety of strong convection weather occurred, Su Dike was always on the line to shoot, producing a large number of precious image data. In 2022, Su completed the creation of China's first storm documentary "Under the Storm", which was well received by many industry and online audiences. About "Sight of Storm" The warm and humid monsoon is the portrayal of summer, prevailing in the Yangtze River basin for hundreds of millions of years, the history of farming is full of descriptions of natural disasters, and in the game with the sky again and again, civilization has been continued.

A windchaser is an observer of the weather and a first-hand chronicler of it. Weather chasers travel across China, experiencing different storms and trying to understand the relationship between storms and human society. In the end, "Sight of Storm" will be our thinking about "heaven and earth", "climate change and people".

JKBoy or Jatenipat Ketpradit (born 1984) is a professional photographer and adventurer who sets out to find the beauty of diverse ethnicities and cultures hidden in remote areas around the world.

Jatenipat is a photographer with special expertise in portraits and culture. His portrait photography seamlessly combines the natural beauty captured in landscapes and allure of human culture, resulting in a unique technique known as ‘Environmental Portrait’. This technique harmoniously blends the ambiance and scenery surrounding individuals with the composition of their portrait, presenting JKboy’s artwork as a captivating and distinctly unique form of art.

Jatenipat has dedicated himself to studying the cultures of various tribes by mingling and spending time with tribes around the world in order to understand their beliefs, and their way of life. He lives in harmony with the ways of the people in that locality so that people can open their minds, and convey emotions naturally. He also founded "People and Their World", a photographic project used as anthropological evidence, to record history and tell the beauty of culture. It is also a voice for forwarding messages that various tribes want to communicate to the outside world. About "People and Their World: Tsam · The Dance of Gods" "People and Their World: Tsam · The Dance of Gods", a photography project and documentary fine art of a that beautifully captures an enchanting narrative of KHUREE TSAM, Mongolian mask dance. Created by Jatenipat Ketpradit (JKboy), a Thai professional photographer and The Cultural Envoy of Mongolia, who’s deeply captivated by the tales of tribes and cultures. As an artist of immense global recognition, JKboy will guide you to unlock the gates of an ancient palace, over 300 years old, concealed amidst the deep mountains of Mongolia. Here, he invites you to experience the sacred and secretive ritual of venerating the ancient deity through masked dances, amidst the rhythmic verses and the aromatic allure of incense, aiming to banish all evil forces from existence.

Jerick “Anyo” Collantes, is a multi-disciplinary photographer, videographer, director, and BBoy. His artistic journey began in Ottawa Ontario where Jerick discovered Breaking alongside his two brothers. Over the past 14 years Jerick AKA “BBoy Anyo” has become one of Canada’s most recognizable Breakers. He and his crew “The Unknown Floor Force” have battled across Canada as well as the United States, France, Japan, and Korea. Jerick’s foray into photography began in 2015 with his admittance into Sheridan College’s photography program. After graduating from the program, Jerick merged his two passions and quickly became Canada’s most sought-after Breaking photographer/videographer. He has worked with organizations such as Unity Charity, a national non-profit that empowers youth through Hip-Hop Culture; Breaking Canada, Canada’s national governing body for Breaking; and joined BBoyizm, Canada’s premier Breaking dance company for their “In My Body” national tour. In November of 2020, Jerick and his brother Mark, a nationally known Breaker in his own right founded their media agency “Designs of Collor” to continue their work of art, storytelling, and breaking. About "Athletes of God" Athletes of God (A.O.G.) is poised to serve as a visual inspection of the parallels between elite-level Breaking and sport. With Breaking's recent acceptance into the Paris 2024 Olympics, Photographer/B-Boy, Jerick "Anyo" Collantes is inspired to explore the human perspective behind these elite athletes and to reframe the general public's understanding of the life of a breaker. A.O.G will recontextualize what is thought of as being possible for Breakers while introducing the world to a rich but often misrepresented culture. As a relatively recent art form, Breaking has grown in unconventional spaces since its inception. Athletes of God will seek to take the unconventional dance form of breaking and embed the dancers into the settings of other Olympic events, allowing the new space to influence the movement being captured as well as creating a conversation around the Olympics' impact on breaking culture. A.O.G will speak on the human cost of practicing an art at the elite level and the profound impact this has on an individual's life, emphasizing the sacrifices made and the many incredible opportunities that arise from dedication at such a high level.

After studying Photography with M.F.A from the Korean National University of Arts, Junghoon works on time-based media study focused on performance and plays in his studio based in central Seoul, South Korea. About "Unseen Echoes: Capturing the Unseen Symphony of Human Gestures" The "UNSEEN ECHOES" project captures diverse gestures in still images, experimenting with condensing human gestures that intertwine emotions and expressions into a continuous objectification of time.

Growing up in Queens, NY, I have always been fascinated by the vibrant and diverse people in my community. From a young age, I began to create portraits of those around me, which led me to film photography. I took courses at The International Center of Photography where I now act as a teaching assistant. Since starting my artistic practice, I’ve discovered that the most important aspect of my work is the representation of Black people. In particular, I am drawn to capturing the beauty and essence of Black women. This year, my work has been showcased in three group exhibitions: Galerie Kitsuné, Photoville, and Arrived. Each display focused on highlighting Black women as earthly creatures and their connection to nature. Currently, I am working on expanding this series, as well as creating a portrait collection of my community for Getty Images. About "The Bodies We Are Born With" This photo series will exist to create a safe space for Black girls and women to feel seen. It will serve as a celebration of our life and who we are. There can be so much negativity and criticism surrounding every aspect of black women. This series will cut through the noise, and join the many voices (and yet still not enough voices) that support black women. I hope that girls will see this series as an inspiration, and women will see it as communion.

My name is Django Large and I am a portrait photographer. I have ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and social anxiety, which sometimes makes it difficult for me to communicate with others. Photography is my greatest passion and my way of expressing myself. I like to make each of my portraits a real painting, with a special attention to light. I also try to capture the essence and emotion of each of my subjects, respecting their own personality and uniqueness. About "The Masters of Time" This project aims to enhance the work of craftsmen who perpetuate ancestral skills and who are threatened by globalization and industrialization. It entails creating original works that combine photography, renaissance painting and modern cinema, in an artistic and patrimonial approach.

We will work with 8 craftsmen, creating with each one a photographic painting that will capture the craftsman in full action, in a staging inspired by the great masters of painting, and a video showing the process of creation and the technical gestures of the craft.

Blending the artistic codes of chiaroscuro in painting and modern cinema would be a poetic way for this project to pay a tribute to these craftsmen and their unique know-how, as well as to make them known to a wider public and to contribute to preserve their cultural heritage.

Mislav Mesek is a freelance photographer and videographer based in Zagreb, Croatia. With a degree in international business and marketing, he seamlessly blends his creative storytelling capabilities with the corporate world. With over seven years of professional experience, the most notable projects were with Rimac Automobili and Scenic Cruises International. Photography and videography serve as his primary tools for crafting compelling narratives, whether working solo or on larger productions.

In his personal work, Mislav's subjects span from portraits, landscapes and scenes from his travels, and music. A significant musical project was initiated in 2020 and titled "35mm sessions," involved recording emerging artists from his region. Expanding to artists all around Croatia, filming in interesting locations and travelling to them with a motorcycle, the project “Soundscape of Croatia - Roadtrip” was born. About "Soundscape of Croatia - Roadtrip" I have three passions in my life: photo/video creation, music, and riding motorcycles. "Soundscape of Croatia - Roadtrip" unites all three of them into one project - recording music sessions with artists across Croatia while riding a motorcycle to every location.

Croatia boasts vast beauty in its nature and cultural heritage. I am interested in recording musicians in various locations around Croatia, preserving the scenery around them, and capturing songs in the form of music sessions. The travel route will follow Croatia’s coastline, showcasing a diverse array of mountains, beaches, forests, rivers, fields, and old towns. The concept involves using a motorcycle as a "mobile recording studio," carrying only the essential equipment for audio, video, and photography recording. This ensures mobility to explore interesting locations and record artists performing in those settings. The goal is to document artists from various regions of Croatia, spanning traditional vocal ensembles, traditional instruments, to modern artists representing different facets of the country.

Santiago Bazan was born in Patagonia in 1992. He founded Drive and Publishers (fiction) and then Random Pipol, a documentary project that has toured the world by crowdfunding. He graduated as a director of photography at Beijing Film Academy with a full Penteado Scholarship. Since then he’s been shooting commercials, fashion films, MVs, and micro-docs around China, Brazil, Spain, Argentina,

Netherlands, Portugal, and Chile, holding 20+ international film festival nominations. His photography work has been exhibited in art galleries and his poetry has been published in printed magazines.MINGA is Santiago's first project in his motherland. About "MINGA" MINGA is a tradition in Chiloé Island (Patagonia, Chile) where, once a year, community members join forces to move historic wooden houses using ropes and creating pulley systems. These traditional houses have become a symbol of Patagonia's architectural and cultural heritage, but due to changing environmental conditions, these houses sometimes need to be relocated to preserve their history and beauty.

With poetic awareness, we aim to explore the connection between humanity and nature, home and journey, and safety and resilience, inviting the audience to reflect on timeless themes such as heritage, cultural preservation, and the enduring spirit of the local communities. These micro-documentaries are long sequences of slow-motion close-ups that portray the emotions of the community members and their celebration, immersing viewers in the spiritual journey of the MINGAs through Fujifilm GF lenses.

Seokjun Yun, an accomplished photographer, is widely recognized in prestigious contests. With a keen eye for profound beauty, each curated image in his portfolio reflects his dedicated passion. Transcending the ordinary, his work transforms scenes into captivating visual narratives, freezing moments in time. Join Yun Seok Jun on a visual journey where every click narrates a story, inviting you to uncover hidden secrets within each frame. About "Structures of Solitude: The Desert Towers Project" Embarking on the Desert Towers Project, we aim to capture the profound essence of transmission towers amidst the breathtaking desert scenery. Through accessible language and compelling visual narratives in photography, we aspire to unveil the concealed stories, philosophical meanings, and aesthetic beauty of these structures. They stand as emblems of human innovation confronting the forces of nature. Join us in this exploration to uncover the untold tales and appreciate the artistic allure of these towers against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring desert landscape.