Visa pour l’Image is the world premier photojournalism festival. Managed by Jean François Leroy, it will start next week, September 3rd in Perpignan, France, until the 9th for professionals. It’s THE place to see outstanding pictures , to meet photojournalists, picture editors and most of the world picture agencies, from AFP to Reuters, from Getty to Corbis and other talented players – Magnum, VII, Mediastorm. Companies launching portals in the distribution of photography are there as well : Pix Palace or Digital Railroad. About 4 000 thousands professionals will fly from all over the world and it really is a great annual opportunity. I’ll be there from the 6th to the 8th.
My body and mind already ache at the thought of the terrible pictures which we will see during the evening shows, at night, in the amphitheater. Think about Darfour.
Jean-François’s passion, editorial and communication know-how make this festival unique. Can’t say the same about his business and organization skills. He will again complain and moan about photojournalism dying, will hold a panel about it…and continue to ignore or criticize new players, new business models, new forms of content like video, new distribution channels. Everything is changing, but Visa! In the positive and “politically correct” praise that surrounds Visa and Jean-François, a little outspoken challenging note could open up new avenues.
Visa’s Press Release
Interview from Jean-François Leroy in English : part 1 and part 2