The inaugural edition of Alexandria Photo Week will take place from February 1 to 10

The inaugural edition of Alexandria Photo Week will take place from February 1 to 10, organized by Photopia under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Tourism Promotion Authority, and the initiative’s main donor, the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.

 

 

 

 Events will be held in seven major cultural centers around Alexandria: Jesuit Cultural Center, B'sarya for Arts, Graeco-Roman Museum, Amideast, 6 Bab Sharq, French Institute, and Greek Cultural Center.

 

 

The embassies of the Netherlands and France are also taking part in this event through many lecturers and photographers. Furthermore, this event will host eight group and individual exhibitions. 

 

 

 

A variety of local and international photographers and image-makers will take part in a comprehensive learning experience for emerging image-makers. It will also host local and international photographers, image-makers, and filmmakers in diversified fields. All sessions will be 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. " 

U.S. Embassy Minister Counselor for Public Affairs Ruben Harutunian stated “The U.S. 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 U.S.-Egypt partnership.”

Abou 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.” 
 

 

 

 

 

There are eight workshops in diversified fields, offered by World Press Photo and National Geographic Society. Additionally, Hussam Ahmed will present a workshop on photomontage and editing, and Carmen will present a workshop on the basics of food photography. Nelly Al-Sharqawy will present a workshop on architectural photography. Workshops topics will also include basics of photography and utilizing photographs in filmmaking. Moreover, Adam Abd El-Ghaffar will present a one-day workshop on enhancing creative vision. 
 

 

 

 

Abou Leila pointed out that the festival hosts eight group and individual exhibitions, including a U.S. Embassy Cairo-sponsored exhibition of iconic photographs by the late photographer Farouk Ibrahim to be  held at Amideast. The 2023 World Press Photo exhibition will also be held, in collaboration with the Dutch Embassy, representing the Oscars for Photography.

 

 

 

 

The special edition of the “Sard” exhibition for Alexandria and the Delta will also be held; a group exhibition includes illustrated stories and documentary videos. The exhibition will be held in three cultural centers: French Cultural Center, B’sarya for Arts, and 6 Bab Sharq, with the participation of 47 photographers. 
 

 

 

 

 

“Singles” exhibition is to be held in Jesuit. Another exhibition that includes the winning press photos of the annual competition -entitled Egypt Press Photo- will also be held. “Badawi Studio” exhibition, including Alexandria photos from the 1930s and 1940s, will be held. The exhibitions also include: “Roman Story”, and “Abdullah Sabry” on fashion photography.