PRESENTATION OF THE EDITION
This edition confirmed the impact of Facing the Sea (FALM) on photographers across the Mediterranean: participants came in large numbers from Morocco, Algeria, Italy, Belgium, Spain, and Africa—representing a wider geographical reach than in 2022.
More than 800 photographers—ranging from emerging to established professionals—have joined FALM since May 2019 (compared to 500 in 2022).
As in 2022, the program featured two key components: a mentorship—exclusively for photographers from the southern Mediterranean—and a component open to all.
This year, 15 photographers took part in the mentorship program, qualifying them to compete for the Grand Prize.
LOOK-BACK IN PHOTO
GUESTS SPEAKERS/MENTORS
Dimitri Beck (POLKA Magazine)
Stéphanie Gaou (librairie-galerie Les Insolites)
Laurent Le Crabe (consultant digital et community manager certifié, Hans Lucas & Formation Transmission)
Khalil Nemmaoui (photographe)
Abla Ababou (Galerie Abla)
Lorenzo Virgili (Hans Lucas, Formation Transmission)
Rafaele Garnot (AFP)
Marie Andrieu (Photo review Arles)
Lionel Antoni et Elisabeth Herbert (Festival l’oeil Urbain)
Marie Sumalla (Le Monde)
Christophe Ralite (NFINITI)
Vincent Marcilhacy (Bourse Ronan Guillou)
Jean-Matthieu Gautier (Revue Epic)
Claudio Composti (Art Curator)
Mat Jacob (Tendance Floue)
Wilfrid Estève (Hans Lucas, Formation Transmission)
WOKSHOPS
Thursday, December 1, 2023:
– “Photojournalism and documentary photography: an overview of a constantly evolving photography and media market,” with Raphaele Garnot (AFP), Jean-Matthieu Gautier (EPIC), and Wilfrid Estève (Hans Lucas).
– “Festivals and galleries: how to approach an application?” hosted by the L’Œil Urbain Festival (Lionel Antoni and Elisabeth Herbert) and Galerie Abla Ababou (Abla Ababou).
– “We don’t become photographers; we *are* photographers: an overview of a humanist philosophy,” with Mat Jacob (Tendance Floue), Khalil Nemmaoui, Lorenzo Virgili (Transmission / Hans Lucas), and Dimitri Beck (Polka).
– “Photo publishing: from conception to market,” hosted by Christophe Ralite (NFINITI), Jean-Matthieu Gautier (EPIC), and Stéphanie Gaou (Les Insolites).
– “Self-promotion and visibility: how to get noticed?” hosted by Laurent Le Crabe—photographer, trainer, digital consultant, and certified community manager.
Friday, December 1, 2023:
Roundtable discussion with Stéphanie Gaou, Marie Sumalla (Le Monde), and Mehdy Mariouch: “Photojournalism in Morocco and Arab countries: a look at an emerging field that is an active participant in its own history.”
GRAND PRIX
The Grand Prize was awarded this year to Abderrahmane Ajja for his series “Un voyage dans la nature où le temps s’arrête pour jouer (A journey into nature where time stands still to play“)
PRIX RÉVÉLATION
The 2023 Prix Révélation has been awarded to Rime Sabbar for her series Red and green.
2023 Photo Meetings : Review by the organizers
The outcome has been very positive, with the “Facing the sea” (FALM) network taking shape; this will soon culminate in the launch of the first platform for photographers from the Mediterranean and Africa.
A highlight of the year was the screening of Antoine D’Agata’s work, “Instinct Animal.” Created during his residency in Tangier in August 2022, the project allowed him to deepen his understanding of the situation facing migrants in northern Morocco and the Mediterranean—a subject he has been documenting for over 20 years.
However, difficulties in obtaining visas remain a constant challenge; despite this, the organization continues to grow, with the ongoing development of the network and the creation of a workspace within FYS.
A huge thank you to this edition’s partners—who remain steadfast and enthusiastic—and especially to SAIF, whose trust and financial support are crucial.
A look back at the 2023 edition with Mina Mostefa, produced by Wilfrid Estève (RCF radio):