At the beginning of the Photomed adventure were two Philippes, both photo lovers and professionals. Philippe Heullant is an editor of specialized revues (Le Monde de l’Optique, Le Monde de l’Image), and Philippe Serenon a consultant in the photo industry. The latter is from the small town of Sanary-sur-Mer in southern France. One summer evening a few years ago, the idea came to them as they sat overlooking the sea: this place deserved its own festival. In 2011, Sanary-sur-Mer saw the birth of Photomed.
On opening night in Beirut, Philippe Heullant had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his lips. Three years after the first edition, the festival is beginning to be part of the most important in France and throughout the Mediterranean. This Lebanese version heralded Photomed’s second life as a traveling festival.
To make this possible, the organizers have prepared a seductive cocktail that combines conviviality, proximity, established photographers and emerging talent. Over the years, they’ve paid high prices for big names to participate to the festival, with Martin Parr for the first edition and Massimo Vitali in 2012. Their secret? Convincing Jean-Luc Monterosso to become the event’s artistic director. As director of the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris, his address book and knowledge of the photo world have made for quality programming. Always ready for new adventures, Monterosso didn’t need to be asked twice. “It was a combination of their enthusiasm and our friendship,” says Monterosso.
FESTIVAL
Photomed
January 17 – February 16, 2014
Beirut
Lebanon
http://www.festivalphotomed.com/index.php/lib/Photomed
