Photographers and attendees in neighborhood at Haiti’s FestiFoto 2025: ‘Life here does not stop’

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Marking World Photography Day, Haiti launched its inaugural Imayiti FestiFoto from Aug. 13 to 19, an occasion fully devoted to showcasing Haitian pictures. Held on the Michel Tardieu Library, the weeklong competition introduced collectively 25 native and worldwide photographers underneath the theme “Lavi isit pa bout” — Creole for “life here does not stop.”

With exhibitions, workshops, screenings and roundtables, the competition supplied an area the place artists and audiences might join. Organizers said that the objective was to emphasise pictures’s function not solely as artwork but additionally as a instrument for documenting on a regular basis struggles and resilience.

“Haiti needs better education and awareness about sharing images,” stated Nerla Conserve, the competition’s communications lead. 

Internationally famend Haitian photographer and conceptual artist Zarita Zevallos was among the many highlights. Known for exploring themes of id, gender and social injustice, her work was showcased though she couldn’t attend in individual. Organizers stated her inventive imaginative and prescient added depth to the competition and emphasised how pictures can function each an affidavit and a reminiscence.

Connecting worldwide and native expertise

Among the 25 individuals on this first version are photographers from Africa, equivalent to Moussa Djamine MD Touré from Ivory Coast, nominated for the 2025 African Photography Awards, and Fatoumata Diabaté, an award-winning photographer from Mali acknowledged worldwide. Their contributions supplied views that discovered magnificence in on a regular basis particulars.

Haitian photographer Louvensky Charlemagne, from Gressier, stated the chance carried particular which means.

“Participating in this exhibition is a true recognition of my work and my artistic vision,” Charlemagne stated. “It’s a rare opportunity to share my universe, my emotions, and my sensitivity with the public, while also creating a space for dialogue and exchange.”

Due to security issues and journey difficulties from Gressier to Port-au-Prince, Charlemagne was unable to attend in individual. His work was offered by Nidjensky Smaïl Platel, who represented him on the competition.“My photos shed light on Haiti’s social, cultural, and political realities,” stated Jean Elie Fortiné, photographer and manufacturing director on the native journal Dèyè Mòn Enfo.  “My strategy is to seize genuine moments that replicate the complexity and richness of our each day lives.

As guests moved by the exhibition, they had been invited to discover the layers of which means embedded in every body. Fortiné’s pictures inspired audiences to consider the tales behind every picture. From capturing a fleeting gesture in a busy road to peaceable rural scenes, his photographs conveyed a way of function. They reminded viewers that behind each image is a narrative price sharing, and that within the Haitian context, pictures can function each an act of resistance and a technique to protect reminiscence.

“This exhibition is both a showcase of my journey and a chance to engage with the public about photography as a tool of memory and testimony,” Fortuné stated.

KaFA: the soul of the undertaking

Behind the competition is Kolektif Fotograf Ayisyen (KaFA), a gaggle of photographers, filmmakers, and journalists based in 2024 that gives a artistic platform the place artists and media professionals from various backgrounds can share their views. The collective’s mission is to inform Haiti’s story by visible artwork whereas constructing collaboration and alternate throughout generations of creators.

Through mentorship, coaching, and exhibitions, KaFA hopes to strengthen Haiti’s visible tradition at dwelling and overseas. Members stated their objective is to protect cultural reminiscence, amplify Haitian voices, and place pictures as each a instrument of resilience and a technique to join globally.

Between the press of cameras and the conversations of the exhibit’s guests, Imayiti FestiFoto confirmed that pictures is alive within the nation and always evolving. From on a regular basis life and neighborhood celebrations to acts of solidarity, the works on show mirrored the vitality and creativity of a brand new technology.

The competition concluded on World Photography Day, a big milestone for Haiti in disaster. Although the exhibition on the Michel Tardieu Library has completed, it made an enduring influence — a tribute to Haitian creativity, resilience and the tales captured by every lens. Visitors and artists left impressed by the spirit of a nation that continues to create and thrive regardless of hardships.

For its subsequent version, organizers intention to safe a bigger venue, appeal to extra worldwide photographers and broaden schooling and coaching alternatives associated to pictures. They need the competition to additional set up itself as an enduring image of Haitian tradition and resilience.

“Young people are engaging with photography, but they need guidance and direction. We hope these initiatives reach a wider audience and allow Haitian photography to shine internationally,” Conserve stated.