Photopia joins forces with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Tourism Promotion Authority, and the US Embassy in Cairo to present the inaugural Alexandria Photo Week from February 1-10.
From ancient treasures at the Graeco-Roman Museum to contemporary galleries at B’sarya for Arts, Photo Week offers a kaleidoscope of experiences across seven cultural centers in Alexandria.
The event presents a blend of collaborative and individual artistic expressions.
Local and international artists from photography and film bring their diverse perspectives to this comprehensive learning event.
All sessions are open to the public for free.
Photopia founder and managing director, Marwa Abou Leila, stated: “This festival is dedicated to the image industry, organized by Photopia. It is not only dedicated to specialized photographers but is also open to the public for free. That’s what makes Alexandria Photo Week unique. Exhibitions, lectures, and educational events in cultural centers are free for those who have registered for the festival.
“Thus, audiences will be regarded as key partners in learning about this field and discovering stories through these photos. This time, there will be stories from Alexandria and the Delta,” Leila added.
“The festival hosts a group of local and international photographers and image-makers for 10 days in the heart of historic Alexandria to promote the interaction between experienced photographers in local and international communities and young people who are passionate about photography when it comes to the fields of documentary photography, journalistic photography, cinematography, fashion experimental practices, contemporary art, mixed media, and fine art through lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and professional meetings.”
“Local and international photographers, image-makers, and filmmakers are carefully selected from past editions of Cairo Photo Week and from Alexandria and the Delta as well as international speakers from the National Geographic Society, World Press Photo, and others who will participate in over 40 lectures during the festival. The festivities also include a reprisal of the “Farouk Ibrahim: The Legend” exhibit celebrating the Egyptian photographer’s iconic work documenting key moments of our cultural history,” she explained.
US Embassy Minister Counselor for Public Affairs Ruben Harutunian, said “The US Embassy in Cairo is proud to sponsor the first-ever Alexandria Photo Week. This event unambiguously showcases the depth of talent in Egypt’s photographic community and conveys clearly the prominence of Alexandria in Egypt’s cultural landscape. We are particularly pleased to promote the iconic work of Farouk Ibrahim, whose images so magically capture the lasting impact of the US-Egypt partnership.”
The World Press Photo and National Geographic Society is set to unveil eight captivating workshops across a range of photography domains.
Additionally, Hussam Ahmed will give a workshop on photo-montage and editing, while Carmen will run a workshop on the basics of food photography.
Nelly al-Sharqawy will present a workshop on architectural photography.
Workshops topics will also cover basics of photography and utilizing photographs in filmmaking. Furthermore, Adam Abd al-Ghaffar will hold a one-day workshop on enhancing creative vision.
Abou Leila explained that the festival organizes eight group and individual exhibitions, including a US Embassy Cairo-sponsored exhibition of iconic photographs by the late photographer Farouk Ibrahim to take place at Amideast.
The Dutch Embassy and the World Press Photo exhibition, photography’s highest honor, offer a captivating exploration of visual storytelling.
Prepare to be spellbound by “Sard” in Alexandria. Join 47 photographers as they weave stories through illustrations and documentaries in this unique exhibition hosted by the French Cultural Center, B’sarya for Arts, and 6 Bab Sharq.
Historical photos of Alexandria dating back to the 1930s and 1940s will be showcased at the “Badawi Studio” exhibit, while fashion photography get displayed at the “Roman Story” and “Abdullah Sabry” exhibits.
The Egypt Press Photo exhibition will feature winning press photos from the annual competition, and the “Singles” exhibition will be held in Jesuit.
