During the opening week of the Rencontres de la Photographie, Fujikina will settle in Arles from July 1st to 6th. Conceived by Fujifilm, this grand celebration of photographic culture will be held in the newly renovated Hôtel Quiqueran de Beaujeu, which housed the École Nationale Supérieure de la Photographie (ENSP) for many years.
Since its inception in 2022, Fujikina has traveled to cities such as New York, Tokyo, Stockholm, and Berlin. Celebrating photography both artistically and technically, the event brings together internationally renowned photographers for a rich program. As Franck Bernard, Director of the Imaging Division of Fujifilm France, emphasizes, it “is aimed at Fujifilm fans as well as anyone who wishes to discover or deepen their passion for photography.” Conferences, portfolio reviews, live photo sessions supported by Profoto lighting, workshops, photographic walks… This Arles week will be packed with over 60 activities, allowing participants to interact directly with photographers who have various approaches, from portrait to street photography and photojournalism.
The choice of Hôtel Quiqueran de Beaujeu to host Fujikina reflects Fujifilm’s desire to pay tribute to the city’s rich photographic heritage. It also highlights its commitment to preserving the history of photography. Renovated with the support of the photographic equipment manufacturer, the 17th-century building and former ENSP building reopens its doors for the first time.
While Fujifilm’s relationship with the Rencontres d’Arles dates way back, notably through an annual loan of photographic equipment, the manufacturer wanted to strengthen their collaboration this year. Fujifilm thus became the Grand Partner of the festival’s workshops. Several free workshops will be led by the brand’s ambassadors throughout the week: Cristina de Middel, Eric Bouvet, Lorenzo Meloni, Laura Bonnefous, Mathias Benguigui, Magali Delporte, Ljubisa Danilovic, Lua Ribeira, Julien Apruzzese, Peter van Agtmael, Carolyn Drake, and many others.
Fujifilm also wanted to celebrate its long-standing partnership with the Magnum photo agency by inviting four of its photographers—Peter van Agtmael, Carolyn Drake, Lorenzo Meloni, and Lua Ribeira—to present new series on the theme “connection” in an exhibition that will run throughout the festival. During the opening week, they will be present and participate in several events, including a “live commission,” a unique experience where photographers will continue to develop their series, offering the public a rare insight into their creative process.
Another highlight of this eventful week, Fujikina echoes the Japan-inspired programming of this edition of the Rencontres d’Arles, through conferences by Masazumi Imai, creator of the iconic X100 camera, as well as Obara Kazuma, Ono Tadashi, and Kanno Jun, three Japanese photographers whose works are part of the “Répliques” exhibition at the Espace Van Gogh.
Finally, for those who wish to test the latest photography technologies, Fujikina offers practical experiences with new Fujifilm cameras and lenses. Visitors can explore a range of high-quality imaging products and also benefit from the free “Check & Clean” service to have their equipment inspected.
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