Latest news with #MariaWeldali
Jordan Times
01-03-2025
- General
- Jordan Times
The power of image: Gazan photographer chronicles struggle, spirit of Gaza
Through the lens of a dedicated Gazan photojournalist, each frame tells a story—stories of resilience, struggle, and hope that are often hidden behind the walls of Gaza (Photo by Maria Weldali) SHARJAH — Through the lens of a dedicated Gazan photojournalist, each frame tells a story—stories of resilience, struggle, and hope that are often hidden behind the walls of Gaza. These images, steeped in the silent testimony of daily life amidst conflict, capture moments that the world has yet to fully recognise. "In this series, every photograph is not just a visual record; it's a portal into the untold experiences of life under siege. It invites us to explore the profound realities woven into the fabric of an ongoing struggle," said Gazan photojournalist Mustafa Hassona in an interview with The Jordan Times during the Xposrue exhibition in Sharjah. Featured in both local and international media, Hassona's photography offers a vital chronicle of the Gazan community's enduring spirit. His work shines a light on stories of loss, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of a better future. Hassona's achievements include being named The Guardian's Best Photographer in 2015 and 2018, as well as winning the POYi 73 prize. Endurance of a Child Discussing his photos, Hassona revealed the subtle emotions captured in the faces of everyday Gazans. One of his most iconic images depicts a young child, clutching a plastic chair amidst the wreckage of war—his only shield against the brutality that surrounds him. 'When missiles tore through homes and lives, this flimsy piece of furniture became the child's last line of defence in a world that had already abandoned him,' Hassona recalled, his voice filled with both sorrow and admiration for the child's enduring strength. Amidst the Rubble: The Indomitable Spirit of Gaza's Female Doctor One poignant story Hassona captured revolves around a Palestinian doctor who, after spending much of her life in Belgium, returned to Gaza following her daughter's marriage in the enclave. Liquidating all her assets abroad, she purchased an apartment in the Al Zahra Building Complex, a sprawling development of 70 high-rise buildings. For her, this wasn't just a property purchase—it was a powerful act of reclaiming her identity. Amid the ruins of her once-thriving community, she grieved the loss of a vibrant neighbourhood and the warmth of family gatherings, now buried beneath the rubble. "With only a single bag containing her certificates as a tangible link to her past, her story reflects the ongoing struggle of Gazans—a narrative marked by sacrifice, loss, and an unyielding hope to rebuild what has been shattered," said Hassona. "Her story is one of unyielding courage and resilience, a testament to the strength of Gaza's people in the face of insurmountable adversity."
Jordan Times
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Jordan Times
Xposure 2025: the power of photography in exposing int'l injustices
In an era where photography remains a powerful tool for documenting and holding the powerful accountable, the ninth edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival stands as a battleground for truth (Photo by Maria Weldali) SHARJAH – In an era where photography remains a powerful tool for documenting and holding the powerful accountable, the ninth edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival stands as a battleground for truth. Held in Sharjah, this year's festival brings together some of the world's most influential photographers and visual storytellers, each armed with a camera and a mission—to expose, document and provoke. From the frontlines of conflict to the depths of environmental crises, Xposure 2025 is more than a celebration of photography. It is a testament to the power of images to hold those in power accountable and give voice to the silenced. Speaking with The Jordan Times on the sidelines of the festival, Svetlana Bachevanova, a photojournalist and an advocate for human rights through visual storytelling, discussed how photojournalism cuts through propaganda and misinformation. Bachevanova said that photojournalism's ability to pierce through propaganda lies in its capacity to capture undeniable realities. 'Ensuring the authenticity of photojournalistic work requires rigorous validation, including in-person consultations with photographers to verify that images remain unaltered. For example, the recent publication Ukraine: A War Crime—a 540-page volume documenting war crimes in Ukraine—engaged directly with its photographer to uphold accuracy,' she said. 'The human element and social interaction are indispensable, especially in an era where AI-driven visual storytelling may, in some cases, undermine the authenticity and emotional depth of human narratives.' 'The first step in verifying the integrity of a photograph is establishing trust in the photographer,' Bachevanova said. On the ethical implications of AI-generated visuals, Bachevanova cautioned that such content could distort reality, making it critical for photojournalists to clearly distinguish between authentic photographs and AI-generated images. 'AI visuals can blur the lines, and photojournalists must be vigilant in maintaining the integrity of their work,' she said. As the director of FotoEvidence, an organization dedicated to supporting documentary photographers who expose injustice worldwide, Bachevanova reflected on the challenges faced by photojournalists today and the risks they take to document human rights violations. 'The ability of photojournalists to document injustices is often restricted, and many are prevented from capturing and sharing critical evidence,' she said. 'The international spread of doubts about the authenticity of media content only fuels mistrust and empowers politicians further.' Unlike written words, which can be manipulated or taken out of context, images have an immediacy and emotional power that make them harder to dismiss. A single photograph, Bachevanova noted, can challenge official narratives and force accountability in ways that written reports sometimes cannot. Throughout her career, Bachevanova has covered pivotal historical events, including the collapse of Bulgaria's communist government, Boris Yeltsin's coup attempt in Russia and the Romanian Revolution, among others. Acclaimed for her fearless pursuit of truth, she has published over 40 books on themes of human rights, ecological justice and social equity, sharing visual stories from 29 countries. Turning to the evolving role of photojournalism in today's geopolitical landscape, Bachevanova acknowledged that the field faces increasing complexities. Media censorship, digital surveillance and AI-generated disinformation now threaten the ability to capture and share truthful narratives.
