Top photos here for all to see
The Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest is on display
THE ANDREI Stenin International Press Photo Contest exhibition, featuring winners from the competition, opened at the Chavonnes Battery Museum in Cape Town yesterday.
It forms part of an international tour of the competition organised by Rossiya Segodnya media group, under the aegis of the Commission of the Russian Federation for Unesco.
Among the 60-plus images on display is a poignant story by Grand Prix winner Alyona Kochetkova, who captured her own inner feelings, overcoming her own fear and pain in the “How I fell ill” photo series.
The display also includes a bright and colourful story of twins from Iranian photojournalist Shiva Khademi, the heart-clenching shots of the mass migration of Rohingya refugees by Mashruk Ahmed of Bangladesh, and many others.
Also on display is “Stand Off” by local photographer Justin Sullivan.
His winning entry in the top news category shows a police officer pointing a firearm at a protester hiding under a table in Hout Bay.
Speaking at the opening of the ceremony, the consul general of the Russian Federation in Cape Town, Roman Ambarov, said: “For the third year in a row, Cape Town has been one of the cities hosting the Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest winners’ display.
“The local public is not only interested in the exhibition – every year, Cape Town photojournalists participate in the contest, winning various nominations.
“The award-winning photo not only draws attention to the complex topic of public protests, but also serves as a reminder of how difficult and dangerous a photo correspondent’s work is.
“Despite the universally declared commitment to protecting the rights of media representatives, journalists and particularly photo journalists continue to be harassed and abused.”
African News Agency (ANA) pictures director of photography Ian Landsberg said: “Independent Media and ANA are proud to host for the third consecutive year exhibitions of the winning pictures of the Andrei Stenin International Photo Contest.
“Showcasing the incredible work of these young, up-and-coming photojournalists from 77 countries in the touring exhibitions, amplifies on a global scale the power and scope of their storytelling efforts.
“We are proud to be associated with the Stenin Photo Contest because we share the same core values of empowering young intrepid photojournalists and visual storytellers to document and communicate the stories and issues of their country, communities and people.”
The head of Rossiya Segodnya integrated photography directorate, Alexander Shtol, said: “Young African photojournalists very accurately respond to the most important and significant events in the lives of people and their countries.”
Last year, ANA’s Phandulwazi Jikelo won the gold medal in the top news single category for his photograph “Grabouw Housing Protest”.
Young African photojournalists very accurately respond to the most significant events
Alexander Shtol
Head of Rossiya Segodnya photography