Photographers and attendees in community at Haiti’s FestiFoto 2025: ‘Life here does not stop’

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Marking World Photography Day, Haiti launched its inaugural Imayiti FestiFoto from Aug. 13 to 19, an event entirely dedicated to showcasing Haitian photography. Held at the Michel Tardieu Library, the weeklong festival brought together 25 local and international photographers under the theme “Lavi isit pa bout” — Creole for “life here does not stop.”

With exhibitions, workshops, screenings and roundtables, the festival provided a space where artists and audiences could connect. Organizers stated that the goal was to emphasize photography’s role not only as art but also as a tool for documenting everyday struggles and resilience.

“Haiti needs better education and awareness about sharing images,” said Nerla Conserve, the festival’s communications lead. 

Portrait of a Jacmel Carnival participant captured by Charlemagne Louvensky and exhibited at the Michèle Tardieu Library during the Imayiti FestiFoto 2025 festival in Pétion-Ville. Photo courtesy of Charlemagne Louvensky

Internationally renowned Haitian photographer and conceptual artist Zarita Zevallos was among the highlights. Known for exploring themes of identity, gender and social injustice, her work was showcased even though she couldn’t attend in person. Organizers said her artistic vision added depth to the festival and emphasized how photography can serve as both a testimony and a memory.

Captivating artwork by Zarita Zevallos, showcasing an immersive and sensitive universe ripe for interpretation. Image via Zarita Zevallos’ Facebook account

Connecting international and local talent

Among the 25 participants in this first edition are photographers from Africa, such as Moussa Djamine MD Touré from Ivory Coast, nominated for the 2025 African Photography Awards, and Fatoumata Diabaté, an award-winning photographer from Mali recognized worldwide. Their contributions offered perspectives that found beauty in everyday details.

Captivating artwork by Zarita Zevallos, showcasing an immersive and sensitive universe ripe for interpretation. Image via Zarita Zevallos’ Facebook account

Haitian photographer Louvensky Charlemagne, from Gressier, said the opportunity carried special meaning.

“Participating in this exhibition is a true recognition of my work and my artistic vision,” Charlemagne said. “It’s a rare opportunity to share my universe, my emotions, and my sensitivity with the public, while also creating a space for dialogue and exchange.”

“My photos shed light on Haiti’s social, cultural, and political realities. My approach is to capture authentic moments that reflect the complexity and richness of our daily lives.”

Jean Elie Fortiné, photographer

Due to safety concerns and travel difficulties from Gressier to Port-au-Prince, Charlemagne was unable to attend in person. His work was presented by Nidjensky Smaïl Platel, who represented him at the festival.“My photos shed light on Haiti’s social, cultural, and political realities,” said Jean Elie Fortiné, photographer and production director at the local magazine Dèyè Mòn Enfo.  “My approach is to capture authentic moments that reflect the complexity and richness of our daily lives.

Photographer Louvensky Charlemagne via his Facebook account Portrait of a Jacmel Carnival participant captured by Charlemagne Louvensky and exhibited at the Michèle Tardieu Library during Imayiti FestiFoto 2025 festival in Pétion-Ville. Photo courtesy of Charlemagne Louvensky

As visitors moved through the exhibition, they were invited to explore the layers of meaning embedded in each frame. Fortiné’s photographs encouraged audiences to think about the stories behind each image. From capturing a fleeting gesture in a busy street to peaceful rural scenes, his photos conveyed a sense of purpose. They reminded viewers that behind every picture is a story worth sharing, and that in the Haitian context, photography can serve as both an act of resistance and a way to preserve memory.

“Participating in this exhibition is a true recognition of my work and my artistic vision. It’s a rare opportunity to share my universe, my emotions, and my sensitivity with the public, while also creating a space for dialogue and exchange.”

Louvensky Charlemagne,  photographer

“This exhibition is both a showcase of my journey and a chance to engage with the public about photography as a tool of memory and testimony,” Fortuné said.

Photographer Jean Elie Fortiné via his Facebook account

KaFA: the soul of the project

Behind the festival is Kolektif Fotograf Ayisyen (KaFA), a group of photographers, filmmakers, and journalists founded in 2024 that provides a creative platform where artists and media professionals from diverse backgrounds can share their perspectives. The collective’s mission is to tell Haiti’s story through visual art while building collaboration and exchange across generations of creators.

“This exhibition is both a showcase of my journey and a chance to engage with the public about photography as a tool of memory and testimony.”

Jean Elie Fortiné, photographer

Through mentorship, training, and exhibitions, KaFA hopes to strengthen Haiti’s visual culture at home and abroad. Members said their goal is to preserve cultural memory, amplify Haitian voices, and position photography as both a tool of resilience and a way to connect globally.

Another portrait of a Jacmel Carnival participant captured byCharlemagne Louvensky and exhibited at the Michèle Tardieu Library during Imayiti FestiFoto 2025 festival in Pétion-Ville. Photo courtesy of Charlemagne Louvensky Visitors explore images during the Imayiti FestiFoto exhibition at the Michèle Tardieu Library in Pétion-Ville on Aug. 19, 2025. Photo courtesy of Diane Bissereth

Between the clicking of cameras and the conversations of the exhibit’s visitors, Imayiti FestiFoto showed that photography is alive in the country and constantly evolving. From everyday life and community celebrations to acts of solidarity, the works on display reflected the vitality and creativity of a new generation.

The festival concluded on World Photography Day, a significant milestone for Haiti in crisis. Although the exhibition at the Michel Tardieu Library has finished, it made a lasting impact — a tribute to Haitian creativity, resilience and the stories captured through each lens. Visitors and artists left inspired by the spirit of a nation that continues to create and thrive despite hardships.

Short clip captured by Nidjensky Smaïl Platel during the photo exhibition at the Michel Tardieu Library in Pétion-Ville on Aug. 19, 2025, as the photographer explains the stories behind his photos to visitors. Video courtesy of Nidjensky Smaïl Platel

For its next edition, organizers aim to secure a larger venue, attract more international photographers and expand education and training opportunities related to photography. They want the festival to further establish itself as a lasting symbol of Haitian culture and resilience.

“Young people are engaging with photography, but they need guidance and direction. We hope these initiatives reach a wider audience and allow Haitian photography to shine internationally,” Conserve said.

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