PRESENTATION OF THE EDITION
The program for this edition was adapted to comply with health restrictions, particularly regarding the seating capacity of the venues belonging to our partner, the Cinémathèque de Tanger. Public gatherings were not possible.
We selected 15 photographers who received personalized mentorship and participated in round-table discussions with 15 professional mentors from France and Morocco.
We had the opportunity to meet new talent and discover some truly impressive documentary and creative series. Discussions centered on the evolving nature of the profession and the role of social media in sharing these fresh perspectives.
Despite new initiatives, participants once again expressed regret over the lack of training opportunities and professional gatherings in the Maghreb. Addressing this need is the very purpose of the Facing the sea Photo Meetings—an event we will continue to host, thanks to the trust placed in us by all our partners.
LOOK-BACK IN PHOTOS
THE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Abdelhamid Belahmidi
Amine Houari
Amine Machitouen
Anas Ouazziz
Aurèle Benmejdoub
Celine Villegas
Ciro Battiloro
Diana Takacsova
Justine Fraysse
Francois Beaurain
Rim Sabbar
Souki Belghiti
Tabit Rida
Valentino Bianchi
Yzza Slaoui
GUESTS SPEAKERS / MENTORS
Dimitri Beck, Polka Magazine, Paris
Meriem Berrada, Musée d’Art Contemporain Africain Al Maaden et de la fondation Alliances
Sido Lansari, Cinéma RIF – Cinémathèque de Tanger
Stéphanie Gaou, librairie/galerie les Insolites, Tanger
Wilfrid Estève, Hans Lucas
Marie Moignard, Fondation pour la Photographie, Tanger
Elsa Seignol, Editions Revers, Paris
Ulrich Lebeuf, festival de photographie MAP de Toulouse
Sylvaine Lecoeur, Pixpalace & Pixtrakk
Jean-Matthieu Gautier, La revue EPIC
Simon Danger, consultant, ancien chef photo de La Vie et de L’hebdo
Lorenzo Virgili, agence Hans Lucas & Take your photo coach
Laurent Le Crabe, consultant digital et community manager certifié
Sylvie Dannay, quotidien national La Croix
Maureen Auriol, hebdomadaire Marianne
Mathias Depardon, photographe
Sara Giuliattini, Société des Auteurs des arts visuels et de l’Image Fixe – Saif
Seif Kousmate, photographe, Lauréat Grand Prix Face à la mer 2019
WORKSHOPS
“Mentors and Photographers” Round Table
“Constructing and Narrating a Photographic Series and the Expectations of the Editing Process,” led by Sylvie Dannay, photo editor at *La Croix*, and Simon Danger, former photo editor at *La Vie*.
Moderated by Lorenzo Virgili.
“Exhibitions, Grants, Open Calls & Festivals: How to Approach an Application?” led by Ulrich Lebeuf, artistic director of the MAP Photo Festival in Toulouse, and Wilfrid Estève, co-founder of “Face à la mer.”
“The Distribution Market: What Are the Possibilities?” with Sylvaine Lecoeur (Pixpalace) and Wilfrid Estève (Hans Lucas photo agency).
Moderated by Lorenzo Virgili.
“Establishing and Sustaining a Career as a Professional Photographer,” led by Dimitri Beck (*Polka* magazine) and Lorenzo Virgili.
GRAND PRIX
The 2021 Grand Prix was awarded this year to Amine Houari for his series Territoires (Territories).
PRIX RÉVÉLATION
The 2021 Révélation Prize was awarded this year, posthumously, to Yzza Slaoui for her series Sincerely, Tendrara.
2021 Photo Meetings: Review by the organizers
The 2021 Photo Meetings took place despite very challenging health conditions, though the event was unfortunately cut short due to sudden border closures.
Fifteen photographers were selected following an open call for projects that was free and accessible to all. The selected photographers had the opportunity to participate in personalized mentoring sessions and attend talks and roundtables with 15 professional mentors from France and Morocco.
This edition provided a forum to discuss the evolving nature of the profession and the importance of social media in sharing these new perspectives—as exemplified by the young Noorseen collective.
Despite new initiatives, participants once again highlighted the lack of training and professional networking opportunities in the Maghreb. Furthermore, the health situation and new restrictions regarding French visas are further complicating exchanges between our two continents.
To address the gaps and issues highlighted by previous editions, we have devised tailored tools and initiatives that will be rolled out throughout 2022.