Xposure 2025: capturing resilience through photography

SHARJAH—Xposure International Photography Festival continues to expand its horizons, shining a spotlight on humanitarian, cultural, and environmental issues through captivating photography exhibitions. With each passing year, the festival grows both in scale and diversity, uniting photographers from across the globe to share untold stories through their lenses. Each image serves as a testament to human resilience, merging artistic vision with the power of creativity.

In an interview with The Jordan Times, Alyazya alghufli, head of the multimedia department at the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, shared insights on the festival’s focus for 2025: “The ninth edition of Xposure explores themes of environmental change, migration, and the destruction caused by wars and natural disasters. Yet, it is equally committed to balancing the documentation of tragedies with reflections of hope.”

Alghufli emphasised the festival’s optimism: “Even in the midst of crisis, photographers capture moments of human endurance, highlighting the inherent survival instinct that pushes people to move forward.” She added, “Where there is devastation, there is also light—a resilient human spirit that strives for a better tomorrow.”

A Unique Narrative Approach

What distinguishes Xposure is its unwavering commitment to storytelling. This is not simply an “exhibition”; it is a celebration of visual narratives that transform photographs from mere documentation into powerful expressions of the human experience. The festival’s selection process is rigorous, beginning the moment the current edition ends. “Each year, the curatorial team ensures fresh perspectives—showcasing unseen works and featuring talents that add depth and complexity to visual storytelling,” alghufli explained.

Beyond focusing on marginalised humanitarian issues, the festival also serves as a source of inspiration. It provides emerging photographers with a platform to flourish, offering mentorship, partnership opportunities and professional development workshops to help guide them in their careers. 

“At Xposure, photography is not a one-sided conversation; it’s a dynamic dialogue that influences the future of photojournalism and visual documentation,” she added.

AI in Photography: A Tool, Not a Replacement

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in photography, a natural conversation emerges. While AI may play a role in certain aspects of image processing, alghufli affirms that the authenticity of capturing a real moment remains irreplaceable.

“Xposure is committed to the belief that photography is about truth—the emotions, realities, and experiences captured in a single frame,” she said. These images, whether from war zones, natural disasters, or everyday life, bring distant stories to global audiences, bridging cultures and perspectives.

“As the festival evolves, its mission remains clear: to inspire, to challenge, and to ensure that the power of visual storytelling leaves a lasting impression,” alghufli concluded.