THE WINNER OF THE MARILYN STAFFORD FOTOREPORTAGE AWARD 2024

IS

ISABELLA FRANCESCHINI

FOR

‘THE LEAP OF FISH THAT DREAM OF FLYING’

The Leap of Fish that Dream of Flying is a series that acknowledges our changing and mutual relationship with the environment and sustainable development. Franceschini’s work focuses on the decommissioning of the Polesine Camerini thermoelectric plant, the largest in Italy, now inactive, which is set to be transformed into an eco-friendly tourist facility based on a project involving local institutions and the local population.

The project documents the conflicting environmental challenges of this area since 2015. Humans have both benefited from this environment, through activities such as mussel farming, and yet also exploited it with the industrial site of the thermoelectric power plant. This transformation enables a renewed and balanced coexistence between humans and nature, paving the way for a future of unexplored and fertile possibilities.

More information HERE about the Winner and the Honourable Mentions.

The Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award, facilitated by FotoDocument and supported generously by Nikon UK, is granted annually to a professional female photographer towards the completion of a compelling and cohesive documentary photo essay, which addresses an important social, environmental, economic or cultural issue, whether local or global. The overall winner is awarded a grant of £2,500. All shortlisted applicants are featured on the FotoDocument website and will be publicised by both FotoDocument and Nikon UK. The Award is reserved solely to women documentary photographers, working on projects that are intended to make the world a better place and which may be unreported / under-reported. They should, in part, showcase positive solutions to any issues raised in order to contribute to constructive photojournalism, in line with the aims of FotoDocument and the wishes of Marilyn Stafford. Women from any stage of their careers are welcome to apply, whether emerging, mid-career or established. They must already have started the photo essay for which they are seeking funding and able to show work in progress. In addition, they must already have completed at least one other documentary photo essay to demonstrate track record. Entrants must be over 18, they may be any nationality and based anywhere in the world. It is free to submit.