As 2025 draws to a close, Le Telegramme celebrates another successful year of its popular community photography feature, "Clichés de Zefs." Throughout the past twelve months, readers submitted nearly one thousand photographs capturing the essence of daily life, cultural heritage, and scenic beauty across the region. This initiative, which relies entirely on citizen contributions, has become a cherished year-end tradition that showcases the diverse perspectives of local residents. The newspaper has curated a month-by-month collection to highlight the most compelling images, offering a visual journey through the year. Among the many submissions, one photograph stood out for its artistic composition and cultural significance, embodying the spirit of the community-driven project. The feature's name, "Clichés de Zefs," playfully incorporates local dialect, making it uniquely connected to the region's identity.
The selected image comes from Cedric Mirail, who captured a striking scene on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the Recouvrance district of Brest. Shot in the early morning hours, the photograph features a dense fog that blankets the area, creating an atmospheric and almost mystical quality. In the foreground, Mirail expertly framed a notable sculpture by artist Jerome Durand, which depicts two iconic historical figures from the city's past. The combination of natural weather conditions and permanent public art creates a powerful visual narrative that speaks to Brest's enduring identity. The image's timing and composition demonstrate Mirail's keen eye for capturing fleeting moments that reveal deeper stories about place and memory. The monochromatic quality imposed by the fog adds a timeless dimension to the scene, blurring the lines between past and present.
The sculpture at the center of Mirail's photograph represents Fanny de Laninon and Jean Quemeneur, two emblematic characters associated with Brest's rich maritime history. These figures have become symbolic of the city's cultural legacy, often referred to as the "citadel of Ponant," a historic nickname that underscores Brest's strategic coastal significance. Artist Jerome Durand's work, permanently installed in Recouvrance, brings these historical personalities to life for contemporary residents and visitors alike. The artwork serves as a physical reminder of the narratives that have shaped Brest's identity over centuries, from its naval traditions to its resilient character. By featuring this sculpture in his photograph, Mirail not only documented a piece of public art but also connected present-day atmospheric conditions with the timeless stories embedded in the city's landscape, creating layers of meaning.
The "Clichés de Zefs" feature represents more than just a photo collection; it exemplifies modern community journalism at its finest. By inviting readers to share their perspectives, Le Telegramme creates a platform where citizens become active participants in documenting their own history. This approach democratizes visual storytelling and ensures that diverse viewpoints and experiences find their way into the historical record. Nearly one thousand submissions over the course of a year demonstrate the program's success in engaging the public and fostering a sense of civic pride. Each photograph adds another layer to the collective understanding of what makes the region unique, from everyday moments to extraordinary scenes like Mirail's foggy morning capture. In an era of digital media, such initiatives bridge the gap between professional journalism and community voices.
Visual documentation has become increasingly vital in preserving local heritage, especially in communities with deep historical roots like Brest. The maritime city, long known for its strategic importance and cultural vibrancy, benefits from having residents actively recording its evolving landscape. Having been heavily damaged during World War II and subsequently rebuilt, Brest's identity is a complex tapestry of historical layers that photographs help to unravel and preserve. Photographs capture not just buildings and monuments, but the atmospheric conditions, daily rhythms, and personal interpretations that define a place's character. When citizens contribute images like Mirail's fog-shrouded sculpture, they create a multi-dimensional archive that future generations can consult to understand their heritage. This grassroots approach to cultural preservation complements traditional historical documentation with intimate, on-the-ground perspectives that might otherwise go unnoticed.
As the year concludes, Le Telegramme extends its gratitude to all contributors who made "Clichés de Zefs 2025" a resounding success. The featured photograph by Cedric Mirail, with its perfect blend of natural atmosphere and cultural symbolism, represents the quality and thoughtfulness that defines this community initiative. The newspaper encourages continued participation in the coming year, as each submission adds invaluable texture to the region's visual history. With nearly one thousand photos shared in 2025, the project has proven that the most meaningful documentation often comes from those who know and love their community best. The legacy of this year's collection will serve as a benchmark for future community engagement efforts, inspiring other publications to adopt similar models of participatory journalism.
