The prestigious Visa Pour L'Image Perpignan 2025, the International Photojournalism Festival, officially launched on Saturday and will run through September 14. The event features Professional Week and screenings from September 1-6, followed by special school group visits from September 15-26.
Each year in Perpignan, this renowned festival presents a carefully curated selection of the world's finest photojournalistic works from international photographers. The 2025 edition showcases an impressive array of 24 major exhibitions covering diverse global issues and artistic perspectives.
The exhibition lineup includes several compelling works addressing contemporary conflicts and social issues. Notable presentations feature Sandra Calligaro's "Afghanistan: In the Shadow of White Flags," documenting life under Taliban rule, and Adam Gray's "American Madness," exploring social tensions in the United States. Other conflict-related exhibitions include Salwan Georges' "The Fall of Assad," Carolyn Van Houten's "The War Against the Islamic State in Somalia," and Gaëlle Girbes' "Ukraine: Surviving Amid the Ruins."
Environmental and social concerns are prominently featured through multiple exhibitions. Josh Edelson presents "California: A Decade at the Heart of the Blaze," chronicling wildfire devastation, while Anush Babajanyan's "After the Aral Sea" documents environmental catastrophe. Pascal Maitre explores "Uncontrollable Megacities," and George Steinmetz examines global food systems in "Feeding the Planet." Cynthia Boll captures "The Migration of the Indonesian Capital," addressing urban planning challenges.
The festival also highlights ongoing humanitarian crises through powerful photojournalistic narratives. Saher Alghorra's "No Way Out - Gaza Strip, October 7, 2023 - May 18, 2025" provides comprehensive coverage of the recent conflict, while Fatma Hassona offers "The Eye of Gaza" with a local perspective. Additional regional conflicts are explored through Cédric Gerbehaye's "Kashmir. Wait & See" and Paloma Laudet's "DRC: Living Under M23."
Several exhibitions celebrate the craft of photography itself and honor veteran photographers' contributions. Jean-Pierre Laffont's "Photographing in Complete Freedom" and Stephen Shames' "A Life of Photography" showcase decades of professional experience. Jean-Louis Courtinat presents "40 Years of Social Photography," while Eugene Richards offers "Do I Know You?" Samuel Bollendorff contributes "Paradise," and the festival includes a comprehensive "Daily Press - Part One" exhibition.
Cultural and spiritual themes are represented through Rijasolo's "Madagascar, Land of Spirits" and Brent Stirton's "Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo: 100 Years of Resilience." The program also addresses contemporary challenges such as Alfredo Bosco's investigation into "The Captagon and Synthetic Drug Crisis in Iraq" and Juan Carlos Salvador's "This Is Life in CECOT."
The festival maintains its commitment to accessibility and education through multiple viewing options. All exhibitions are free and open to the public daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, August 30 through September 14, 2025. Accredited professionals receive special early access from 9 AM to 10 AM on Thursday, September 4 through Saturday, September 6.
For those unable to attend in person, the festival offers virtual access to most exhibitions through its official website at visapourlimage.com. School groups receive dedicated access from September 15-26, with guided tours available by appointment during September 15-19. These educational sessions will be led by exhibiting photographers, festival director Jean-François Leroy, and his deputy Delphine Lelu.
The festival's comprehensive program extends beyond exhibitions to include screenings, special events, the prestigious Visa d'Or awards, scholarship programs, various prizes, and educational initiatives. Complete information about projections, special meetings, awards, scholarships, prizes, image transmission workshops, and editorial content is available on the festival's official website.
