César Guardia Alemañi (1994) is a photographer and cinematographer from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He studied cinematography at the FUC in Buenos Aires, La Femis in Paris, and later on he did the Photography Master at PhotoSpain, Madrid. His staged photographs focus on human nature and its most internal processes, alongside their interpersonal relationships. He has won the 2024 IPA Fine Art Photographer of the Year Award, exhibiting in Athens, Greece. He exhibited in Argentina at Pinta BAFoto Art Fair. He is a member of the ADF Society of Cinematographers in Argentina, and the 9AM Talent Agency in Mexico & The Americas. About "Echoes of Resilience" The project will be a photographic series focusing on the devastating earthquake that struck San Juan, Argentina in 1944, and the enduring human spirit that emerged from its aftermath. Inspired by the memories and stories my grandmother shared with me, I will create eight images that highlight the survivors’ experiences with a cinematic approach. Each photograph is a period reconstruction, a reimagination of those real stories. They capture the profound strength of humanity in difficult times, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, we can find light through solidarity and care for one another.

Claudia Guadarrama is an independent documentary photographer based in Mexico. She began her career as a photojournalist while working on her documentary work, focusing on social justice and gender issues in Latin America. With over 20 years of experience and a self-taught artistic background, Claudia's work explores themes of power relations, identity, and the sense of belonging. Recent awards include an honorable mention from the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2022 and the 2021 LSI Photography Grant. Additionally, she is a recipient of the 2004 Inge Morath Award and the 2005 Canon Female Photojournalist Award. Claudia has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in Mexico, France, Austria, Germany and Spain. About "Rewriting memory. Intimate territories in resistance" The deforestation and dispossession faced by Mayan women in their territories and their lives are advancing at an unstoppable pace due to the modernization and development of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. This project explores their resilience and activism and it reflects on their crucial role in conserving and defending the biodiversity around them, which benefits not only their communities but also the entire planet.

Gianluca Lanciai is an Italian documentary visual artist whose work explores themes of identity and human resilience. In 2020, he joined the Visual Storytelling Masterclass at Camera Torino in collaboration with the International Center of Photography. He was later awarded the Director’s Fellowship to attend the One-Year Certificate Program in Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism in New York, where he focused on a story about marginalized communities in East New York, published by Bloomberg. His recent focus has been on empowering marginalized communities by teaching visual storytelling techniques. About "Timeland" Quoting D.H. Lawrence "Sardinia is a place of the soul, a place where time stands still”. Timeland is a photographic project exploring the theme of longevity, focusing on the population of Sardinia, Italy, one of the five Blue Zones worldwide, known for their high concentration of people over 100 years old. Inspired by my nearly centenarian grandmother's question, "How come I have lived so long?", the project merges personal curiosity with frequent trips to Sardinia to investigate the deep connection between lifespan and the island. This visual narrative uncovers the tangible and intangible connections between these long-lived individuals and the environment that shaped their remarkable vitality, highlighting the interplay of geography, culture, and lifestyle.

Moe Suzuki is a visual artist based in Tokyo. She engages in long-term research-based projects that are told through multiple layers of visual narratives. She primarily works with photography,
which is mixed with illustrations, archives and video made from the collected testimonies and data. She has created projects such as 'SOKOHI' (2020), 'Today's Island' (2022) and 'Aabuku' (2024), which focus on the memories of people affected by environmental issues, urban development and physical disability. She is particularly adept at editing her work into photobooks, which won the Luma Rencontres Dummy Book Award in 2021 and has been shortlisted for many photobook awards worldwide. About "Kusari (working title)" The project 'Kusari' (working title) will focus on the story of the invisible carcinogenic chemical, PFAS, which had contaminated the tap water in part of Okayama, Japan. The source of the contamination, waste granular activated carbon left unmonitored near the dam for years, silently released the chemical like a linked chain, overshadowing people's daily lives. The visual narrative of 'Kusari' will unfold in layers of research and collected stories from people who have used this water in their daily lives.

Reinis Hofmanis (1985) is a Latvian artist and photographer known for his socio-anthropological approach, exploring societal groups and their impact on environments. He studied photography in Hannover, Germany, and holds a master’s degree in Visual Communication from the Art Academy of Latvia. Reinis received Archifoto’s main prize in 2012, as well as 2nd place in the Architecture category at the Sony World Photography Awards in 2013. His works have been featured in publications such as New York Times, Financial Times, Spiegel, Zeit magazine, Esquire, Bloomberg, Le Monde, The Globe and Mail and The British Journal of Photography. About "Shared Horizon" I aim to explore borders—both physical and mental—and the internal divides shaping society in the Baltic states today. Inspired by my childhood in Latgale, not far from the Russian border, and the current geopolitical climate, this project will examine both tangible borders, like the 283.6 km Latvia-Russia boundary, and psychological ones within our society. I would like to explore how these borders influence identity, belonging, and the broader impact on daily life, offering insight into the complex dynamics of life in border regions, where external and internal divides shape both personal and collective experiences.

Artist Da-seul Lee finds the gaps that arise from the difference in speed between people and nature and records them through photographs. His project, which started in 2007 in an abandoned coal mine village and moved to Jeju Island in 2012, raises fundamental questions about the landscape that is slowly changing due to capital. throws it at us.

What questions can artists pose to society in familiar but unnatural landscapes? Now artist Lee Da-seul asks us again. Where are we in this huge landscape? Is there a difference between meaningful and meaningless things among the things we see there? About "Under the Purple sky" Visual artist Da-seul Lee began farming in 2016 by growing 257 aronia trees. However, even though it hurts the body, repeated weed removal every year raises fundamental questions. Why is he pulling out weeds that, no matter how hard he tries to pull them out, will grow back luxuriantly next year? One day in the winter, Lee Da-seul decides to no longer pull weeds but rather grow them. And I decided not to grow the aronia trees that I needed to grow. 124 aronia trees were cut down to grow weeds. 2025 will mark his 7th year of growing weeds.

David Fulde is a queer creative based in Toronto, ON. His love of colour and dynamic posing has influenced his work from the day he stepped foot into film school, to today. Still photography attracted him first as a challenge to increase his compositional skills, and then quickly became his primary focus. Bringing others joy through his work is what drives him to create, the world can always use another smile. About "Queer Lenses" Drag is an artform that Canada does like noone else . Every drag queen has their own lens through which they view the world, and Queer Lenses seeks to capture those individual points of view through still imagery. Utilizing different techniques in lighting, set dressing, and posing we get a glimpse into how these drag artists see the world. We fill the world with a little bit of their specific brand of colour and joy.

I’m a photographer, filmmaker, writer, and lecturer. My photographs have been selected for the RPS 'International Print Exhibition' and the BJP ‘Portrait of Britain’ exhibition. My TV experience includes the triple-Emmy awarded BBC ‘Wild China’ series, 'Japan: Earth’s Enchanted Islands’, and ‘Nile’. I’ve co-authored two books - ‘Nile’ and ‘Wild China’ - and written for BBC Wildlife Magazine. I’ve lectured about filmmaking, photography, and the environment at The Royal Geographical Society, as well as the School of Oriental and African Studies, and the RGS in Hong Kong. I’m particularly interested in our long and evolving relationship with the natural world. About "If The Land Could Speak" My work is inspired by the rising number of Rights of Nature environmental cases worldwide: Nature’s right to exist and flourish, unharmed by human activity. This challenging relationship is particularly apparent in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region: 2 billion people rely on water that flows from the glaciers here. My project explores this region in a time of dramatic climate change, and my intention is to portray the spirit of the natural world as the central character. The ‘personhood’ of nature has been fundamental to many cultures throughout history, and I hope my exploration of this concept will resonate today.

In a world plagued by climate disasters and rapid loss of biodiversity, Gretchen Kay Stuart finds hope and purpose in long-term projects that raise awareness for imperiled species and their threatened habitats through visual storytelling, camera trapping, writing, and collaborating with biologists and conservation organizations. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Gretchen is a member of iLCP, (International League of Conservation Photographers), and her work has been featured in National Geographic, Smithsonian, and National Wildlife magazines, among others. About "The Oregon Otter Gap" Sea otters have been locally extinct in Oregon since the 19th-century fur trade. Archaeological evidence suggests Oregon once acted as a hybrid zone, enabling gene flow between Washington’s northern and California’s southern subspecies. Their absence has left a critical gap in the biodiversity of kelp and estuarine ecosystems, and contributed to the endangerment of California's southern subspecies. Led by the nonprofit Elakha Alliance, conservationists, indigenous leaders, and local communities are working to reintroduce this native species. My project aims to use visual storytelling to help dispel misconceptions and garner support for expediting reintroduction before challenges posed by climate change exacerbate the urgency.

Jared Wahkinney is a Comanche filmmaker, Indigenous Anthropologist, and advocate for Indigenous communities and cultural resilience. Through storytelling and research, his work blends memory theories, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and environmental justice, highlighting connections between people and the landscapes they call home. He has worked extensively with tribal nations, the National Park Service, and academic institutions, including Salish Kootenai College, to create platforms for Indigenous voices. His projects aim to foster empathy, understanding, and equity in both cultural and environmental contexts. About "Peyote People" Peyote People is a documentary that explores the relationship between Comanche people and peyote. The film documents the journey—from the harvest in South Texas to ceremonial use in Oklahoma—while emphasizing the importance of passing on these traditions to younger generations. The project also addresses the environmental challenges peyote faces due to a changing climate and habitat degradation. The documentary will blend together personal stories of Comanche elders, healers, and younger participants as they carry forward the knowledge and practices that have sustained their culture for generations.

Kenneth Obinna Mmaduadizie, popularly known as Kahli Brown, is a multi-talented creative professional based in Abuja, Nigeria. As a freelance photographer, filmmaker, and the creative lead of Kahli Brown Studios, he specializes in travel, portrait, lifestyle, and documentary storytelling. Kahli has collaborated with renowned brands and had his works featured in notable publications, underscoring his dedication to impactful storytelling and community-focused projects. His passion lies in visually narrating stories that inspire and connect. Additionally, he is a tech enthusiast and content creator, merging his love for innovation with storytelling. About "Plastic Possibilities" Plastic Possibilities is a visual storytelling project focused on documenting sustainable solutions to plastic waste in Nigeria. It aims to highlight local efforts, innovations, and grassroots initiatives addressing plastic pollution in communities. The project explores environmental challenges, creative solutions, and the impact of these initiatives on both the community and the environment, raising awareness about the importance of sustainability and responsible plastic management. Through striking imagery, the project seeks to inspire action and showcase possibilities for reducing plastic waste in Nigeria.

Kristina Nikolova is a Bulgarian-born, Florence-based interdisciplinary artist and founder of Atelierseptem. Her work merges conceptual fashion design, photography, textile art, sculpture, poetry, and site-specific installations to explore the intricate connection between the human condition and nature. Guided by sustainability and zero-waste principles, her practice weaves refined craftsmanship with profound meaning, addressing themes of transformation, resilience, and the balance between individuality and collective existence. Through layered symbols and evocative metaphors, Kristina reimagines material and narrative, shaping an innovative artistic language that resonates on both personal and universal levels. About "Stabat Mater - The Ten Ages of Woman" Stabat Mater - The Ten Ages of Woman is an exploration of womanhood through ten pivotal stages of life, from infancy to advanced maturity. Each portrait captures the delicate interplay between transformation and permanence, as the body evolves while the essence of the spirit remains immutable. Using natural light and raw, unfiltered imagery, the project reveals stories of vulnerability, identity, and quiet resilience interwoven within each narrative. By transcending societal expectations, it opens a dialogue that bridges the personal experience with the essence of womanhood as deeply individual and inherently collective.

Luo Fei is a freelance photographer specializing in capturing landscapes and human-interest stories. She has frequently embarked on solo road trips to remote areas in the western regions of China for in-depth photography projects. She runs her own photography studio and contributes regularly to various magazines. Photography is not just her profession but also an integral part of her life. She is passionate about presenting images that are authentic, detailed, and objective. About "Weaving Connections : The Vitality of Tajik Embroidery" Through the photography of personal stories, we can directly showcase the patterns and totems of Tajik embroidery preserved in traditional customs, highlighting the importance of embroidery in the lives of this ethnic group. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident how this traditional craft supports the empowerment and independence of local women. Additionally, by documenting these fragile and gradually fading traditions through images and videos, the project serves the purpose of preservation, transmission, and international cultural exchange.

Tsuyoshi Anzai is a Japanese contemporary artist based in Chiba. He explores the interplay between human and non-human perspectives by working with ready-made plastic objects, including everyday items and waste. His work removes the original functions and meanings of these artificial objects, prompting viewers to reconsider their relationship with the material world. Anzai's kinetic sculptures, crafted from everyday items, move in unexpected ways, challenging the boundary between animate and inanimate. He also creates sculptures from plastic debris collected on beaches, imagining them as relics studied by non-human archaeologists in a distant future. His work has been exhibited at the Ludwig Museum (Budapest), 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (Kanazawa), Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and Künstlerhaus Bethanien (Berlin). About "Ultra Giant Micro Plastic" Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, yet microplastics remain largely invisible to the naked eye. The project aims to bring this overlooked crisis into sharp focus by capturing individual microplastic particles in extreme close-up photographs. Using medium-format cameras, these images, printed at a large scale, allow viewers to experience microplastics as if they were tiny creatures themselves. A typological archive of microplastic photos will highlight each particle’s uniqueness and environmental journey. Through this work, the project seeks to inspire new perspectives on plastic pollution, encouraging a deeper understanding of our relationship with nature and the material world.

Yi-Hsien Lee, Founded YHLAA after working two years in London as an interior photographer. Focused on architecture and interior photography. Based in Taiwan, working closely with international clients and photograph major public architecture in Taiwan. Working as a professional photographer for almost 10 years, using unique composition to express space and structures. To make the photographs filled with imagination and sensation. His works has been published on Domus magazine and Archdaily…etc. He also won many architecture photography awards, and was selected as photographer of the year by Architecture Master Prize on 2022. About "Scar Tissue" Taiwan is now facing a transaction in architecture; many buildings has reached the end of their life cycle and about to demolish. When they are demolished, the marks left on other buildings is like a scar of a city. It is a process, and it has its own story. In this project, I will photograph them, see their relationship with the surroundings and categorize them. By doing so, it is a way to pay tribute to the place I live in.