Following an exhilarating judging process, Rovinj Photodays 2024 proudly reveals its esteemed winners and finalists. The competition, renowned for its celebration of photographic excellence, received an unprecedented 3,900 submissions from 32 countries worldwide by the deadline of March 3.
Chaired by Sabina Salamon, senior curator of the Photographic Collection of MMSU Rijeka, the seven-member jury comprised luminaries from across Europe and the United States. The jury, including artists, curators, and photographers, meticulously deliberated to select the finalists and ultimately crown the Grand Prix winner. They are given complete autonomy in the selection process to decide on the number and composition of the finalists, in order to ensure that the final exhibition really represents the best of the submitted works.
The selection process was conducted by a seven-member jury of prominent experts in their fields of activity:
- Sabina Salamon, senior curator of the Photographic Collection of MMSU Rijeka – president of the jury (HR)
- Dubravka Lazić, artist, professor, vice-dean of the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad (RS)
- Dino Rekanović, founder of the ROTLICHT festival and manager of the Photon gallery in Vienna (AT)
- Steffania Rössl, photographer and co-director of SIFEST (IT)
- Hrvoje Slovenc, photographer (NY)
- Massimo Sordi, photographer and c0-director of SIFEST (IT)
- Ján Viazanička, photographer, teacher, curator and editor-in-chief of the photography magazine dokumentmagazin.sk (SK)
“We were surprised by the incredible response to the competition of the Rovinj Photodays 2024 festival. The caliber of submissions reached a record 3900 applications received from 32 countries from all over the world. Selecting the finalists from such a rich scope was an incredibly challenging task for this year’s jury. Each selected work presented its own unique narrative and artistic merit, making the decision-making process both rigorous and rewarding. However, after careful consideration, we are satisfied with the selection we have curated. I firmly believe that this year’s exhibition will be really great, showcasing the creativity and skill of our finalists. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the participants and eagerly anticipate sharing their remarkable works with the world at Rovinj Photodays 2024.” said Sabina Salamon, president of the jury.
The breadth of submissions underscores the festival’s growing international prominence, with participants hailing from diverse corners of the world. Notably, this year saw an influx of new entrants from beyond the region, demonstrating the festival’s expanding reach and influence.
Among the finalists are three artists from Italy, three artists from Slovakia, two from the Netherlands, and one representative from Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Indonesia, Serbia, South Korea, the United States, and Uruguay. Their works will take center stage at the festival, which will transpire on May 17 and 18 in the picturesque setting of Rovinj.
The highlight of the festival finale on May 18 at the Island Hotel Istra will be the announcement of the Grand Prix winner, who will be awarded a cash prize of 2,000 Euros, along with other amazing accolades.
Noteworthy recognitions for all finalists include the presentation of their works on the official website, inclusion in a joint exhibition during the festival, and placement in the museum’s permanent collection in digital format. Additionally, category winners will enjoy complimentary accommodation at the Island Hotel Istra during the festival finale. In addition, the Grand Prix winner will be also be granted a solo exhibition at the festival’s next edition in May 2025, along with complimentary accommodation.
This year’s Rovinj Photodays festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of photographic artistry, further solidifying its status as a premier event on the international photography calendar.
FINALISTS:
BODY/NUDE
- Zuzana Pustaiova (SK)
- Ryan Andrew (ID)
- Stephanie Schwiederek (US)
ARCHITECTURE
- Jung Ui Lee (KR)
- Viola Hertelova (CZ)
- Luka Klikovac (RS)
DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY
- Emanuele Occhipinti (IT)
- Ryan Andrew (ID)
- Matteo Trevisan (IT)
FASHION
- Alessio Paduano (IT)
- Deni Horvatić (HR)
- Herbert Fauster (AT)
LANDSCAPE
- Tatiana Takáčová (SK)
- Emilia Martin (NL)
- Anna Pozina (DE)
PORTRAIT
- Peter Pflügler (NL)
- Federico Estol (UY)
- Sona Maletz (SK)