Xposure International Photography Festival Unveils Winners Celebrating Global Photojournalism Excellence

The 9th annual International Photography Festival (Xposure) recently celebrated the winners of its prestigious initiatives, highlighting excellence in photojournalism and global visual storytelling. Palestinian photographer Saher Alghorra was named the overall winner of the Independent Freelance Photojournalist Award (IFPA). The Global Focus Project (GFP) also recognised 12 outstanding photographers for their diverse contributions.

In a ceremony attended by industry professionals and photography enthusiasts, Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), presented the awards. The IFPA aims to honour exceptional photojournalism and selected its winners from a shortlist of seven entries. Saher Alghorra's compelling photo essay, "We have no escape," which captures traumatic moments from the war on Gaza, earned her the top prize.

The Global Focus Project continues to celebrate diverse perspectives from photographers worldwide. Launched in 2023, it recognises one male and one female photographer from each continent, showcasing unique narratives and cultural insights. From Africa, Edith Chiliboy’s project "Ukubuta" explores identity and childhood experiences, while Andrew Esiebo’s "Pneumacity: ‘A Tire New Dies’" highlights innovative tire repurposing in Lagos.

In Asia, Fikret Dilek Yurdakul’s stark essay "Brick Kilns" sheds light on hazardous working conditions in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Rony Zakaria’s "Lamalera: A Fisherman Village Striving Against Time" chronicles sustainable whaling traditions in Indonesia. These works highlight significant social issues through powerful imagery.

Oceania finalists included Talia Greis with her breathtaking underwater photography project "Mission Blue," celebrating Australia’s marine ecosystems. Bronislaw Kozka explored coastal landscapes in "Coastal: A Slow Journey Along the Coastline of Australia & New Zealand." In Europe, Natela Grigalashvili documented disappearing traditions of nomadic cattle breeders in her essay "The Final Days of Georgian Nomads."

Ingmar Björn Nolting examined Germany’s transition toward climate neutrality in "An Anthology of Changing Climate." From North America, Molly Peters collaborated with the Apache Stronghold to highlight their fight for sacred sites in "A Sacred Unity." Sandro Miller celebrated black women’s artistry and resilience through his project "Crowns, My Hair My Soul My Freedom."

Highlighting Cultural Insights

South American finalists included Ana Maria Arevalo Gosen’s powerful essay "Días Eternos," revealing harsh realities faced by incarcerated women in Latin America. Marlon del Aguila Guerrero explored the symbiotic relationship between communities and rivers in "Flow of Resilience: Currents That Forge the Attitude." These projects offer profound insights into cultural dynamics across continents.

The runner-up for IFPA was Mustafa Hassouna, a highly decorated Palestinian photojournalist. His work reflects dimensions of the Israeli war on Palestine and underscores imagery's crucial role in documenting human suffering. Through these initiatives, Xposure 2025 has successfully brought together diverse voices in photography.

Xposure continues to facilitate cultural exchange and celebrate visual storytelling's incredible power. As it grows stronger each year, it cements its position as an important platform for visual media and showcases artistic excellence to a global audience.

With inputs from WAM