CONTACT Photography Festival Marks 30th Edition with Five Artists Exploring Decolonization and Memory

From May 6 to August 1, Toronto will host the 30th anniversary of the CONTACT Photography Festival, which emphasizes lens-based media. With a remarkable attendance of over 20 million and the participation of more than 8,500 artists, CEO Darcy Killeen expresses appreciation for the contributors. This year's festival highlights five artists who explore themes such as decolonization, community, activism, and revolution. Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj showcases La Salle de Dym des Femmes Arabes, featuring women in niqabs at a gym. Canadian Jessica Slipp presents Becoming a Rock, while Yann Pocreau's Archipel offers a surreal landscape. Dawit L. Petros, a 2025 Scotiabank Photography Award recipient, examines colonial history in his exhibition. Iranian-American Sheida Soleimani's Ghostwriter intertwines family history with political narratives. The festival will feature exhibitions throughout Toronto and online.