Helsinki Photo Festival - Courage

Helsinki Photo Festival is delighted to announce the Open Call for submissions from photographers and photographic artists from all around the globe! The theme of the Open Call 2023 is COURAGE.

We live in turbulent times: climate change, pandemic, war, and constant violation of human rights. All this calls for courage.

Courage can come in many forms, whether it be the ability to face pain or grief with strength or the quality shown by those who take risks and face danger. Nelson Mandela once said: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers that fear.” To be afraid and yet be able to act is true courage. “Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.” - wrote stoic philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca. But is courage an exclusively human trait?

We invite all participants to interpret the theme both broadly and creatively. You can submit up to 20 works. A written statement explaining how the submitted project fits the theme should accompany each entry. All submitted works will be reviewed by our jury consisting of leading experts in the field of photography and visual arts. Selected projects will have the opportunity to exhibit at the Helsinki Photo Festival 2023 and receive one of the festival's awards.