Faces of al-Quds” International Photography Contest

The Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation (ICYF-DC) announces a call for applications on “Faces of al-Quds” International Youth Photography Contest, held in cooperation with the High Council of Youth and Sports of Palestine to be held under the programme “Al-Quds Al-Sharif – OIC Youth Capital 2018”.

The “Faces of al-Quds” seeks to bring together young photographers to demonstrate their vision of al-Quds al-Sharif, and its importance in terms of Islamic cultural heritage, inter-cultural and inter-civilization dialogue, and the challenges to its sanctity under Israeli occupation. It will create solidarity with the residents of the holy city, casting light on their lives, as well as the struggles and injustices they contend with on a daily basis. Beyond this, the contest would award recognition to young photographers with promise and talent empowering and encouraging them to go further in their pursuit of photographic journalism and art.

The “Faces of Al-Quds” International Photography Contest will select “51 Photographs for 51 Years” of Israeli occupation to raise consciousness on the stark reality of life in Palestine.

Two application phases will be held for the photography contest.
- The Early Bird Application deadline is 1 April 2018, with awards announced on 17 April Early Bird Applications will be considered for ‘First-place Winner’ and ‘Best Photograph Award’. Winning entries will be featured in exhibitions in Palestine, the 4th Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers in Baku, Azerbaijan, and across other OIC member states and world capitals;
- The Best Awards Application deadline begins on 1 August 2018, with the Awards Ceremony to take place on the OIC Youth Day, September 3rd 2018.

Following the contest, the remainder of submissions will be posted weekly on social media to international audiences for the remainder of the year.

Eligibility
- This contest is open to youth of all faiths and nationalities between the ages of 18 and 35. Non-professional photographers are particularly encouraged to participate;
- Participation in the contest is open to all and free of charge;
- To make mobile phone submissions, post your photo with the following Hashtag: #AlQudsOICYouthCapital2018#AlQuds51for51, tagging the Faces of al-Quds account, and sending the photo and your full name by Direct Message;
- There is no limit regarding the number of submissions.

Awards
“Al-Quds al-Sharif: Cradle of Civilizations” Awards:

Photographs of cultural, civilization or religious significance, scenes and sites, taken in the holy city of Al-Quds that capture the spiritual, historical and civilization depths of the ancient city.

- First-place Winner: award recognition, contest award statuette and USD 1000 cash prize;
- Best Photograph Award: award recognition, contest award statuette and USD 500 cash prize.

“Al-Quds Al-Sharif: City under Siege” Awards:

Photographs of the difficulties and challenges of life; specifically in visiting al-Quds sanctuaries under Israeli occupation; that capture and document challenges to the sanctity, soul and religious character of al-Quds al-Sharif.
- First-Place Winner: award recognition, contest award statuette, and USD 1000 cash prize;
- Best Photograph Award: award recognition, contest award statuette, and USD 500 cash prize.

“Faces of al-Quds” Awards:

Photographs of the daily life of residents of al-Quds al-Sharif under Israeli occupation; that capture their spirit of resilience, challenges, perseverance, griefs and hopes.
- First-Place Winner: award recognition, contest award statuette, and USD 1000 cash prize;
- Best Photograph Award: award recognition, contest award statuette, and USD 500 cash prize;

Additional Honorary Awards:
- Amateur Photographer of the Year: 5 entries;
- Professional Photographer of the Year: one entry;
- Palestinian Photographer of the Year: one entry;
- Youth Photographer of the Year: one entry;
- Best Tourist Photographer: one entry;
- Best Mobile Photograph: one entry;
- Best Portrait Photograph: one entry;
- Best Black and White Photograph: one entry.

Deadline: 1 April 2018; 1 August 2018

Further details:
Faces of al-Quds” International Photography Contest