A.BAY Photo Festival
In the realm of artistic endeavors, the A.BAY independent online photo festival stands as a testament to the vision of its founders, Milad Karamooz and Nader Rafiee. Rooted in the enchanting backdrop of Anzali port, a quaint northern city in Iran, this festival sprouted as a manifestation of their dedication to community and culture. Their noble aspiration was to infuse their creative spirits into the fabric of the city, elevating it through cultural and artistic initiatives as part of their Volunteer Public Affairs Projects. Their mission was clear: to traverse geographical boundaries and offer the world a glimpse into Anzali's rich tapestry.
The festival's name, A.BAY (Anzali Bay), is a nod to the very heart of the city that inspired it, where the sea and the land converge. A stroke of brilliance came from the colloquial term "ABAY," resonating within the city as a synonym for a true and cherished friend. The logo, a clever reflection of the satellite map of Anzali bay, mirrors the letter "A" as a symbol of connection and convergence, a gateway to the festival's universe. The jury, meticulously selected from Anzali, Tehran, and beyond, embarked on a journey of discernment to curate excellence from a myriad of perspectives.
As the festival unfolded, the shortlisted entries garnered commendation in the form of certificates, while the triumphant artists were rewarded with cash prizes bestowed by the very founders who had envisioned and breathed life into this extraordinary event. In essence, the A.BAY online photo festival reverberates as a harmonious blend of vision, culture, and creativity, embracing the ethos of a city and extending its arms to a global audience.
First Edition of A.BAY Photo Festival: The Shine of My Isolation
The inaugural chapter of the A.BAY Photo Festival commenced its journey in May 2019, marking the genesis of a remarkable artistic odyssey. Centered around the compelling theme of "The Shine of My Isolation," this debut edition radiated with creativity and ingenuity. Across continents, hundreds of photographic gems poured in from individuals and visionaries who shared their unique perspectives. The festival's esteemed jury was a diverse constellation of talent, comprising six luminaries spanning the realms of artists, photographers, art directors, and galleries, hailing from Anzali, Tehran, and beyond.
As the festival's heartbeat echoed around the globe, the collective voices of these creatives converged to cast their vote of approval on a select few. Amidst the sea of entries, a resounding consensus emerged, propelling twenty captivating photographs to ascend beyond the fray. These chosen images garnered the distinction of reaching the festival's coveted shortlist, a testament to their resonance, impact, and alignment with the festival's thematic essence. The first edition of the A.BAY Photo Festival stands as an embodiment of creativity unbounded, a celebration of vision, diversity, and the profound power of visual storytelling.
Anoush Asghari, photographer- Anzali, Iran
Mani Golnazi, photographer- Anzali, Iran
Arash Mirtalebi, creative director- Tehran, Iran
Kiarash Ghavidel, co director of silk-road gallery- Tehran, Iran
Altea Pérez Serna, photographer- Spain
Linda Westcott, photographer- Prague, Czech Republic
Short List Photos
Winners
Email : karamooz.milad@gmail.com
Phone number : +1 (415) 613-9829
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