We are pleased to announce the photographers in the 2022 Arab Documentary Photography Program, a joint initiative with @afac.fund and @princeclausfund that offers production support for long-term creative projects and six months of individual mentorship with @randa.shaath, @ericgottesman, @habjouqa, and @pvanagtmael. Congratulations to the newest grantees: Ahmed Merzagui, Algeria (@ahmedmerzagui) Ali Al Shehabi, Bahrain (@_alishehabi) Celia Bougdal, Algeria (@celiastaphylo) Gabriel Ferneini, Lebanon (@gabzyn) Iman Djamil, Morocco (@idjamil) Karrar Nasser, Iraq (@karrarphotos) Lamees Saleh, Egypt (@lameessaleh_) Mennatalah Khaled, Egypt (@mennatalahkh) Mohammed Nammoor, Syria (@mnammoor) Nidal Rohmi, Palestine (@sameh_rahmi) Sara Kontar, Syria (@_.sarako._) Sara Younes, Egypt (@sarai.younes) The program was created to support and amplify creative approaches to visual storytelling that challenge conventional narratives about the region. The jury notes: “This year we saw intriguing projects. The uncertain economic situation and post-Covid world brought into light several projects on identity and belonging: those who stay and those forced to leave home, from the aftermath of the Syrian conflict to personal stories from the Syrian diaspora, as well as documenting migrants from North Africa living in transit, trying to find a place to call home. Other topics delved into male identity in the Arab world and the Gulf, masculinity vs vulnerability, as well as not often discussed topics on mental health and drug addiction. It was encouraging to see emerging photographers in our region who showed great potential and were keen to document their personal narratives with different approaches, including mixed media, analogue photography, conceptual and traditional documentary photography. The applications also showed a deep awareness of our region’s narratives, including urgent topics like water scarcity.” Read more at the link in our bio, and see work from previous cycles of the program at @arabdocphotography ✨ 📸 Ali Al Shehabi (@_alishehabi)