Xposure 2026: A Focus on Climate and Conflict Through Documentary Photography

The Xposure International Photography Festival 2026 is set to celebrate its 10th edition with an exclusive Documentary Zone, emphasizing visual narratives anchored in research and storytelling. This year’s zone will present 13 exhibitions where photographers delve into topics such as climate change, conflict, displacement, identity, and cultural heritage.

Attendees will immerse themselves in photography that narrates inclusive stories, underlining the importance of ethical practices and authentic documentation. The festival will also host informative talks and workshops geared towards photographers, focusing on project development, exploring sensitive territories, and ethical storytelling techniques.

Environmental Changes and Climate Issues

In the Documentary Zone, notable photographers such as Michael Yamashita (National Geographic), Tomasz Tomaszewski, Philippe Chancel, and Anush Babajanyan will showcase their projects, highlighting environmental transformations impacting communities. These exhibitions address critical issues like coastal erosion and dwindling lakes, illustrating the deep connection between humans and their landscapes.

Conflict and Societal Change

Other exhibitions will zero in on themes of war, displacement, and political upheaval, depicting how communities recover and thrive post-conflict. This photography acts as a powerful medium for deeper understanding, moving beyond conventional narratives.

Memory, Identity, and Cultural Heritage

Themes related to memory and identity will be explored through projects that document the relationship between people and their cultural environments. From sacred rituals to remnants of abandoned places, photography serves as a bridge to preserve history and personal identity.

Scientific Endeavors in Visual Storytelling

Certain exhibitors will transform scientific research into poignant visual stories, covering themes like polar regions, marine ecosystems, and climate studies, thus enhancing public awareness while ensuring factual accuracy.

Highlighted Talks:

• Jan 29, 14:15 – Matilde Gattoni: Ocean Rage: West Africa Is Being Swallowed by The Sea

• Jan 29, 15:35 – Shoayb Khattab: Focus. Frame. Fulfil

• Jan 31, 15:55 – Tomasz Tomaszewski: How to Build Trust in Difficult Places

• Jan 31, 17:25 – Anush Babajanyan: After the Aral Sea

• Feb 2, 22:00 – Lukasz Larsson Warzecha: Stories Trapped in Ice

• Feb 3, 17:00 – Tim Smith: The Art of Screwing Up and Embracing Your Weaknesses

The Documentary Zone emphasizes Xposure 2026’s dedication to responsible and research-oriented photography, advocating for long-lasting visual storytelling approaches that comprehensively depict our changing world.

Festival Overview

Hosted by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Xposure 2026 occurs from January 29 to February 4 at Aljada, Sharjah, under the theme “A Decade of Visual Storytelling”. This year's festival encompasses over 126 sessions, 72 workshops, 280 portfolio critiques, and 95 exhibitions featuring 3,200 artworks. The Xposure Photography and Film Awards 2026 received an impressive 29,000 photography entries and 634 film submissions from 60 countries, highlighting the festival’s international impact and commitment to socially responsible visual narratives.