(May 28, 2019) The Moscow International Foto Awards—a hotly anticipated annual event that spotlights some of the most brilliant and insightful photography from around the world—has announced the winners in its 2019 photography competition in both Professional and Student divisions.
The 2019 edition of the MIFA competition received over 4,000 outstanding entries from over 100 countries, representing the best works from some of the most visionary photographers around the world.
Hossein Farmani, Founder and President of MIFA and its parent company, Farmani Group, shared his excitement at the winners’ announcement:
“When modern digital technology makes it possible for everyone with a smartphone to take pictures, you might think that the flood of images would lessen the value of photography as an art form and medium of communication. But truly great photography stands out even more powerfully when seen amidst mediocrity and conventionalism. There is no doubt that strong images will continue to shine and significantly impact the way we see the world, and this year’s winners of MIFA are proof of that. We have unique, beautiful, and thought-provoking works from all around the world and I could not be more pleased and proud of the outcome. It is a magnificent testament to the power of visual story telling.”
After evaluating the outstanding images in this year’s competition, the Jury selected Rasmus Flindt Pedersen for the 2019 “Photographer of the Year” award—the top prize in the Professional division—for his stark and provocative work, “The Forgotten Country”, covering some of the devastating impacts of the Yemeni Civil War on its population. In addition to the title, the grand prize earned Pedersen a cash prize of $3,000, the coveted MIFA trophy, and critical acclaim by the international MIFA Jury.
Gavin Smart took the top prize in the Student division, being named 2019 “New Talent of the Year” for his classic series of character portraits, “The Producers”. Smart will also receive the MIFA Trophy and a $2,000 Cash Prize. 1st place Category Winners have also been awarded a $100 Cash Prize, and all winners and Honorable Mentions will receive the MIFA Winner Certificate and Winner Seal, and are now featured on the Winners Gallery on the MIFA website.
The 2019 MIFA Exhibition which will feature the Category Winners of the 2019 MIFA Photography Contest, will be held at the Moscow Photocenter from June 19 – 23, 2019. The Exhibition Opening and Winners Cocktail Reception will take place on the evening of Wednesday, June 19th, from 19:00 – 21:00. There will be a meet-and-greet with MIFA winners, Jury, and members of the Press. Photographers and photography enthusiasts alike will enjoy an exceptional evening of admiring the winning images of the MIFA competition.
