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MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
SHARJAH, 20th January, 2022 (WAM) -- Sharjah is bringing together 70 world-renowned photographers on a single platform to showcase their vivid and compelling images at the sixth edition of Xposure International Photography Festival at Expo Centre Sharjah from 9th -15th February, 2022, across 45 solo and group exhibitions that offer a window to the wider world around us.
Photography's powerful role as a tool for change will be illuminated through 28 inspirational talks while expert-led educational workshops will elevate the learning experiences of professionals and photography enthusiasts.
Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), Xposure 2022 will also broaden the horizons and raise awareness of marine conservation amongst audiences through powerful narratives that showcase the beauty and devastation of our fragile ocean ecosystems. Xposure's first-ever International Ocean Conservation Summit will be held on 10th February, under the theme 'Saving our Oceans'.
The international festival's 7-day programming agenda also includes announcement of winners of the Independent & Freelance Photojournalist Award and Xposure Photography and Film Awards. For the 2022 edition, the Xposure awards received 14,998 entries from 126 countries.
The details of the sixth edition of the annual festival were revealed during a press conference organised by SGMB on Thursday, January 20, at Al Majaz Amphitheatre. Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, and Alia Al Suwaidi, Director of SGMB, addressed the press conference in the presence of Arab and international media professionals.
The global attention Xposure has garnered and its ever-expanding roster of activities, has seen the festival extend its duration to 7 days this year. The festival will also unveil the latest photographic equipment and products of major global brands.
The world's leading marine photographers will help shape a positive blueprint for the future of our oceans through their documentation of the visual effects of the environmental and climate change crises at Xposure this year.
Held in partnership with the International League of Conservation Photographers, the summit brings together environmental activists, passionate explorers, and photographers, and changemakers from around the world to lead nine insightful panel discussions on lasting solutions and everyday acts to protect the environment.
The exceptional talents and extraordinary images of photographers worldwide are celebrated in Sharjah each year through the Xposure Photography and Film Awards. This year, the award received as many as 14,998 entries from 126 countries, including Switzerland, Greece, Canada, Germany, Finland, Italy, and Chile. Representing a 58 per cent increase over five years, the highest number of submissions this year came from China, India, Iran, Russia, Egypt, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and the UAE.
Entries were evaluated by 21 renowned photographers in the categories of: Portraiture, Architectural Photography, Drone Photography, Short Film and Moving Image, Junior Category, Travel Photography, Landscape Photography, Wildlife Photography, Photojournalism, and an exclusive category for Sharjah Government Employees.
On 10th February, Xposure will award US$15,000 to the first winner of the Independent & Freelance Photojournalist Award, which was announced by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, to recognise and reward independent and freelance photojournalists who endeavour to take images to support news stories and to bring awareness of urgent issues from around the world.
The second-place winner will have a dedicated gallery space to display their work at Xposure 2022. The award's categories include Spot News, Environment, and Solutions.
At Xposure, audiences can step into the aesthetic and emotionally compelling stories shared through more than 1,600 visual narratives and presented via 45 solo and group exhibitions. The stories span a broad spectrum of topics ranging from conflicts, natural disasters and disease to the serene environments of picturesque landscapes and the creatures that dwell within it.
Budding shutterbugs of all age groups will be inspired to take forward their photographic goals through the 28 inspirational talks hosted at Xposure by renowned international photographers who will share their understanding of the world and the influences that have shaped their extraordinary journeys.
Xposure welcomes photography enthusiasts to advance knowledge and image-making skills at 25 interactive workshops led by international photographers for beginners and professionals. In addition, 14 focus sessions and 24 portfolio reviews will be hosted by renowned professionals with extensive experience in commercial photography, photojournalism, documentary, landscape photography, travel, portraiture, and other genres of photography.
Allay said, 'Today marks a new era for Xposure International Photography Festival as it bolsters its status as an international platform and discusses the future of humanity and the fragility of our planet through the lens of award-winning photographers, thought leaders and changemakers. Photography is a powerful tool for change, and we believe that photographers who champion humanitarian causes, are changemakers too.'
'The festival's comprehensive and vibrant programming agenda is a reflection of Sharjah's vision and cultural project laid down more than 50 years ago by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Xposure zooms in on the human condition, celebrates unique works, and highlights inspiring stories, and has emerged as the most sought-after event for photographers across the world to both showcase and hone their skills,' Allay added.
Alia Al Suwaidi, Director of SGMB, said, 'We, at Xposure, have an enduring belief in the power of photography to impact lives and the world around us, and we continue to invest in it to drive more positive change. Xposure is a platform for celebrated photographers to introduce their perspectives of the world to our audiences, highlighting the power and role of photography in forging connections and changing lives.'
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