Stage set for Indian Photo Festival@11 in Hyderabad

Hyderabad is all set to come into focus as the 11th edition of the Indian Photo Festival (IPF) begins on November 20. Organized by the Light Craft Foundation, the month-long festival will take place at the State Art Gallery and several venues across the city. It showcases the work of photographers from Brazil, Iran, South Korea, India and beyond, and includes solo and group exhibitions, artist talks, workshops and documentary film screenings that highlight urgent global stories, intimate human moments and experimental visual practices.

Photo by Amit Machamsi; A football player poses for the camera amid the hustle and bustle of farmers harvesting paddy in Sipadol, Bhaktapur. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

When IPF began in 2015, the idea was to create a space where photographers could share important stories. Now, founder-director Aquin Matthews says, “It feels special. Over the years the festival has grown further than we ever imagined, but its heart has remained the same. We have always wanted the IPF to be open and welcoming to everyone.”

Aquin says the goal is to make world-class photography accessible to everyone. “We want young and senior artists to meet, and people who might not normally visit art venues, to be able to experience high-quality photography for free.”

reflection@10

Photograph: Paša Imrek | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The 10-year milestone in 2024 gave the team an opportunity to reflect on what defines the festival. “It has always been about honesty, empathy and curiosity. This year’s exhibitions and talks are in line with that spirit, bringing together stories from conflict zones, personal histories, changing environments and much more.” There has also been a renewed focus on older methods such as analog printing and early photographic processes. “It encourages artists to slow down and enjoy the beauty of drawing with their hands.”

Photo by Giles Clarke | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

IPF has evolved into a community-driven platform. While the focus of earlier festivals was on exhibitions and talks, today, it is evolving into a place of learning by offering free workshops, portfolio reviews and grants. This festival has now moved out of closed spaces and is being displayed in public places, due to which photography has become a part of everyday life.

The month-long festival is run by a small team of volunteers, many of whom are photographers who love the medium and want to support others. “Everyone does something. It’s truly a team effort,” says Aquin.

CaravanX By Palani Kumar | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

This annual festival of visual storytelling takes approximately eight to 10 months of planning. As soon as one festival ends, the team gets ready to work on the next edition. Beginning with an open call for entries, submissions are selected from around the world, reaching out to artists, speakers, partners and their extended community. “The way people view images is different today, so we strive to balance traditional storytelling with new ideas. Our hope is that the festival will feel warm, familiar and exciting every year, whether you’re a photographer, a student or just someone who enjoys good images.”