نائب حاكم الشارقة خلال افتتاح اكسبوجر: الصورة توثيق تاريخى يفوق الكلمة – سعوديوم

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, stressed the importance of caring for and celebrating the image because of the exceptional roles it has proven to play, by documenting the defining historical moment, its testimony to the facts, and its superior ability to overcome words and expressions, during The long journey of photographers in various fields, fields and places around the world.

Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi explained that photographers overcame narratives that we thought were impossible to change, so they outperformed the propaganda of media empires, which cost billions of dollars to create, and proved that the world does not need long years to formulate public opinion about a humanitarian issue, but rather it needs an image. Only one, which holds the truth in all honesty; In unforgettable historical scenes, photographers’ lenses formed the decisive difference between life and death, proving that they were the victim’s ally and the perpetrator’s enemy. They began to stifle it by cutting off communications and imposing a siege on the eyes of the world. That is why we are here today, not to celebrate the opening of this festival as we are accustomed to, but to honor the heroism of photographers and appreciate them. The role of the image and reading future merits in light of the ability and possibilities demonstrated by this great art.”

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi addressed the roles of the image and its ability to inspire and influence, saying, “During the past four months, the image, and with it the role of photographers of course, has surpassed all the roles we previously knew. We have seen the image as a witness to the truth in the most prestigious international legal forums, and we have seen it as an icon of justice.” “Freedom is in the streets of the entire world, and it has become the final say in international policies, decisions, and trends more than ever before.”

The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah added, “At the heart of these events, photographers and images played a starring role, a role that opened for people a window on the world through which they could address it, present their cause, express their tragedy, and share with millions their just dreams. The best example of this is the Palestinian people in Gaza, the tragedy of more than two million besieged and starving people.” And those targeted for killing at every moment have prompted the entire world to reread what was previously prevalent about international values ​​and norms, the human rights system, the role of the individual in change, and his humanitarian duty towards others, which makes us say: We are facing a new stage and an absolutely new global era. This was confirmed to us during this stage. In the past, everything we said previously about the image did not do it justice as it should. Rather, the image proved that it is the sincere and loyal friend of the people, and that it has no life or impact unless it is alongside the truth, and that the story it carries is difficult to falsify even with the most advanced technologies, because it is the daughter of Reality, and it cannot be isolated from the circumstances that produced it, no matter the attempts.”

The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah pointed out what the picture conveys with honesty and sincerity in all situations, saying, “We hope that pictures convey to us nothing but the beauty, splendor, and richness of this universe, but the picture refuses to remain a cause committed to its duty toward those who suffer everywhere in this world.” It is as if she is saying: “I will tell the world about the negatives so that the circle of those working for the positives will expand, and I will convey to the world the effects of injustice so that love and justice will prevail.”

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi concluded his speech, saying, “Since we met last year and until today, the world has changed. The change this time was not partial or fleeting, but rather comprehensive, radical, and profound in impact, especially with regard to human knowledge, awareness, and perceptions about life. We do not exaggerate.” As we said that the peoples will not return to what they were before the terrible events and grave tragedies that they have experienced and are still experiencing.”

During the opening ceremony, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and the audience watched a video recording highlighting the risks to which photographers are exposed in documenting events and conflicts, the truth that images convey of human tragedies and natural disasters, and how they ignite candles of hope to enhance advocacy for the disadvantaged and vulnerable in the world, and confirm that there are millions in the world. Human beings are in dire need of conveying their reality, and the image is a key element in achieving a world of security, peace and joy.

The opening ceremony of the festival began with a speech delivered by Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Office, in which he stressed that the festival represents a global celebration that consolidates the impact of images in the present and the future, and celebrates the mission of photographers in protecting memory and expanding the horizon of people’s understanding of life.

Allay pointed out the importance of the festival and the responsibilities of those who work in the photography profession, saying that this goal of the festival is more important today than ever before. The world is witnessing rapid changes at all levels, and there is nothing more eloquent than a picture to help us understand it and adopt attitudes towards it. Therefore, the responsibility of the photographer increases day after day. If decades ago the image was just a document, today it has become a carrier of knowledge, a message carrier, a change maker, a force of influence, an economic engine and a development tool.

The Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Office concluded, pointing to what the festival offers, which comes within Sharjah’s strategy to develop media work, by saying, “As we wandered through the exhibitions of the eighth edition of Exposure, we heard voices and read messages more than we saw pictures; We heard nature’s calls for help from irresponsible practices, read messages of wisdom from distant peoples and tribes, and learned lessons of civilization and renaissance. That is why we in Sharjah are opening before you an international platform that brings together the world’s elite photographers. To emphasize the importance of the image and the role of the photographer, and at the same time, build the knowledge and skills of the new generation of photographers. If the world needs something today, it needs honest photographers who re-present life and reality with honest lenses so that we can see beauty, truth and peace again.

Photojournalist Nicole Tang, who is famous for her work covering conflicts and humanitarian issues in the Middle East and other parts of the world, gave a keynote speech at the festival, in which she emphasized the vital role that photojournalism plays in supporting world issues and highlighting important facts that should not be forgotten.

She said that the picture reflects to us many aspects that we should keep in our memories. Documenting events makes us feel close to the experiences of people living in difficult circumstances. Photojournalists are exposed to unparalleled risks in order to present the truth, and through their lens, they document moments of joy and pain. Separation and displacement, and they transmit these stories to the entire world.

Tang stressed that the photojournalist is the silent witness, who bears a great responsibility. He is not just a taker of pictures, but rather a narrator of events and experiences. He makes photographic documentation a bridge between the event and the audience, as he uses pictures to tell us stories of people, places, and events. Pointing out that the image of natural disasters and conflict zones acquires a special power that arouses the curiosity of the general public.

She added that photography contributes to achieving justice, as it reveals dark sides and contributes to changing reality. However, we must remember that this work multiplies the dangers and sometimes translates into great risks for photographers who seek to show the truth to the world.

Beth Wald, a documentary photographer who specializes in documentary and cultural photography, also gave a keynote speech in which she pointed out that she spent a large part of her life documenting the relationship between people, nature, and cultures. She worked with institutions seeking to do justice to nature, and through the lens of the camera, she documented the efforts of women working to alleviate The intensity of social conflicts between tribes in various regions of the world.

She added, “When I was a child, forests covered 70% of the Earth, and nature was thriving, but today, the percentage of forests is only 25%, and with this loss, we are witnessing a loss in environmental and cultural diversity and lifestyles, due to our significant overexploitation of the planet.” However, I believe that we have the ability to change and correct course, and we must move and motivate others to move as well.

Beth Wald emphasized that her message through the pictures is to tell the world that every place that loses its greenness makes us sound the alarm, and from here she seeks to create solutions that ensure the protection of areas that have not been damaged, and the restoration of damaged lands, which should coincide with the preservation of species. The neighborhood, which she also monitors in her photographs, stresses that the deterioration of the ecosystem affects the quality of the air, soil and water, and that we cannot separate people from their land, as they are the owners of the places and the maintainers of the balance of life on the planet.

After the final opening ceremony, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, accompanied by the attendees and guests of the festival, toured the festival’s corridors and various sections, where His Highness learned about the various exhibitions that the festival includes, and His Highness listened to a number of photographers about their work and the inspiring stories behind their distinguished shots and participation. At the festival, His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah also visited part of the trade exhibition, which witnesses the participation of many leading companies in the field of photography and cinema, where His Highness was briefed on the latest developments and technologies in the world of photography.

The International Photography Festival “Xposure” is a celebration of visual narrative, brings together the works of 400 photographers, and organizes more than 200 events presented by 150 of the world’s best photographers, in addition to 90 individual and group exhibitions, more than 79 inspiring dialogues, and more than 27 cinematic screenings of short and long documentaries. And more than 66 workshops with photography industry experts, in addition to more than 50 evaluation sessions for artistic careers, introductory tours, book signing parties, and a trade exhibition for 18 of the major international brands specialized in photographic equipment. The festival’s activities include workshops, discussion sessions and dialogues. Inspirational, cinematic performances, competitions, and prizes, in a space that combines art, education, and entertainment, and provides the opportunity to learn about the cultures and arts of the world throughout the seven days of the festival.

The festival also provides the public with the opportunity to learn about the experiences of creators, artists, and specialists in various types of visual arts from various schools and places around the world, and opens the way for those working in the creative industries, including designers, filmmakers, and directors, to communicate with an elite group of workers in the field of video content production, in addition to… Meeting thought leaders and opinion makers who specialize in environmental protection issues and advocates for humanitarian issues around the world.

Exposure 2024

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi

A tour inside the exhibition

International Festival of Photography