38th Visa Pour l'Image Photojournalism Festival Opens in Perpignan

The 38th edition of Visa Pour l'Image, the international photojournalism festival in Perpignan, will run from August 29 to September 13, 2026. Founded in 1989 by Jean-François Leroy, the festival annually reviews world events through photojournalism. This year features 25 exhibitions covering diverse topics: Laurent Ballesta's underwater photography, Hervé Lequeux's documentation of Guinean minors traveling to France, and Etienne Montès's career retrospective. Major retrospectives honor Raymond Depardon and Michaël Yamashita (40 years of photography in China). Societal issues are addressed by Jérémy Lempin (illiteracy in France and French Guiana) and Jérôme Gence (virtual marriages in Japan). Environmental themes include Gerd Ludwig's images of Chernobyl and Elise Blanchard's work on Afghan girls sold due to drought. Paolo Roversi presents a dreamlike photographic journey through India. In his statement, Leroy reflects on AI's impact on journalism, noting that AI models require reliable data, positioning professional journalists as essential. He cites partnerships between tech giants and major media like The New York Times, Le Monde, and Financial Times, warning of potential Faustian bargains. He defends traditional media as bulwarks against those who seek to undermine reality for profit or ideology. The festival is free and open daily from 10am to 8pm.