When we heard about Fotosemana Manila, we weren’t exactly sure what to think. Microfestival? Photography? Spanish title? One thing’s for sure: it’s the first event of its kind. Happening from May 18 to 24 at Thousandfold in Taguig, the weeklong fest is a celebration of both local and international contemporary photography.
Still not sold? Trust us: this photography festival is made of five things that are hard to resist.
#1 Fotosemana is founded by artist Wawi Navarroza.
There’s only one thing to do when Wawi Navarroza holds a photography festival: go. Don’t let the word “micro” fool you: the festival is not small in scale (it’s a week-long event!).
Rather, it’s grounded on its humble ambition to celebrate the photograph closely with people who enjoy it.
“Photographers are getting better at how they tell their story in photographs. There’s a sense of what they want to do with photography,” she says about the works you’ll see here.
#2 Photo books and zines are the new prints.
The weeklong fest is all about intimate experiences with new photographic mediums.
“Content in the photo books and zines are independent bodies of work. They’re not portfolios or monograms. These are works that embody what a photographer wants to say about a specific thing,” explains Wawi.
Fotosemana makes it clear that photos shouldn’t just be seen. They should be felt.
#3 Most activities will take place in Manila’s first active space for contemporary photography.
Thousandfold, also Wawi’s baby, is prepped to be a hub for developing, producing and publishing photography. While workshops will be held here, it’s also a place where photographers can find new ways to come out with their work. Fotosemana is the first major event proving what this venue could be.
#4 Nicolás Combarro is teaching a masterclass workshop.
For those who want to be a cut above the crowd, hone your craft with a four-day-long class with Spanish artist Nicolás Combarro. The workshop is about the process “From the Single Image to the Photographic Project.” Unleash your inner Wawi (she was a mentee) through Nicolás, who’s also a renowned curator and educator.
#5 There will be soirees.
Where in the world will you find an art event that still has soirees? On some days, it’ll be about talking it up with your newfound peers. “There are nonstop slideshows. It’s informal, and you talk to each other here,” Wawi teases, “on the 23rd, there’s a closing party where everyone can join. Bands are performing—The Sleepyheads, Flying Ipis, The Late Isabel, and The Strangeness will be there.” Wawi will be performing as the vocalist of The Late Isabel.
Music, art, and inspiring people? Count us in.
See our snaps from the first night by clicking on the slideshow above!
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