NonFiction Photo Festival 2023

NonFiction Photo Festival is back in Groningen from 10 November until 3 December! A range of striking, beautiful and thought provoking photographs will be displayed. Among them are the winning photographs from the World Press Photo Exhibition 2023, featuring important stories from around the globe, and the 5th Wave exhibition about gender equality and the current feminist movement in the north of the Netherlands.

By: Paulina Ser

World Press Photo Exhibition 2023

The World Press Photo Contest calls for the best visual stories of the year: the stories that need to be told. The exhibition covers current issues like protests and manifestations of the climate crisis, but also visual stories that were overlooked by mainstream media in 2022. Expect beautiful photographs of prominent news stories next to stories on the preservation of collective memory, inspiring change makers and unexpected developments from all corners of the world.

Some stories are portrayed with dreamy and poetic photography, while others depict the consequences of conflicts, climate change and globalisation in more colourful, estranging and shocking ways. This year, Evgeniy Maloletka won the ‘World Press Photo of the Year’ award for his photo ‘Mariupol Maternity Hospital Airstrike’. The image shows an injured pregnant woman in Ukraine who is being carried away from the maternity hospital damaged during a Russian airstrike. It is not only an accurate representation of this year's events, showcasing war crimes against innocent Ukrainian civilians by Russian forces, but also a poignant reminder of the tragic loss of future generations of Ukrainians. Read more here about the four global winners.

5th Wave

The next edition of the NonFiction Photo Festival launches the 5th Wave; an exhibition that seeks to address the current state of gender equality and the urgency of the feminist movement in the 21st century. Photos by local photographers highlight women's experiences and how they raise their voices. The focus is on local solutions to global problems and on how to create paths towards a more equitable and just future.

Some of the confirmed photographers include Emily Wortel, who will display her photographs showcasing the female body. Her work explores identity, connection and intimacy with a special focus on imperfections. Marion Verwey will display works that deal with the topic of menstruation poverty, a struggle affecting those who don’t have access to the safe and hygienic menstrual products. Andrea Hooymans’ photographs will shed light on the intricacies of the male and female gaze.

Visual Academy

An exciting Visual Academy programme is available for everyone who wants to know more, with tours, workshops, lectures and events. Discover the story behind the picture with experts in the field of media and journalism. It is also possible to visit the festival as part of a school excursion or as a special business event.

During the International Student Night (16 November) visitors can join various tours centering on the World Press Photo Exhibition and the power of visual storytelling. A Night at the Exhibition (23 November) is a special evening of dining in the midst of the 5th Wave exhibition.

More information about the different tours can be found on our website.

Visit

The festival is open to the public on a daily basis in the city centre, Synagoge Groningen, Folkingestraat 60. The exhibition and the events are in both Dutch and English. Tickets will be available at the door or online from October via our website.