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Some of the pictures on exhibition

The Word Press Photo Exhibition for the best of the best talented visual photographers of the 2016 photography contest opened at the Zimbabwe International Book Fair grounds on Tuesday.

The giant canvas visuals which are displayed in these gardens speak more than a thousand words and immediately send the message to individuals of what the photographers were telling the world. Among the daily life displays is the work of local photographer Cynthia Matonhodze in her photo series which is a special attraction as she is the only Zimbabwean who made it to the apex in the competition.

Her photo series exhibited the social life of ex-convict and netball coach Grends Tsedemu popularly known as Mama Dee and her involvement in the game of netball where she brings together and inspires women in the community.

The fine images also portray the normal life of an ordinary woman living in the high density suburb of Mbare close to the Mukuvisi River bank as Cynthia shows her images of the normal lifestyle routine of the lady from her rented room to the netball pitch.

“I chose to document Mama Dee (who) was wrongly convicted and spent almost a year in prison. I chose to document her (life and work) because of the good work that she’s doing in Mbare a place which is always associated with all the bad things. She tries hard to occupy young mothers who were impregnated at an early age through sport (whilst) discouraging them from promiscuity and unwanted pregnancies,” observed Cynthia.

The rest of the displayed images spoke about contemporary issues, general news, nature, sport, long-term projects and celebrating life and these were selected from over 80 000 images made by 5 034 photographers from 126 countries.

Speaking at the exhibition opening, Sophie Boshouwers from World Press said; “This exhibition is travelling to 45 countries worldwide at 100 places with an estimated 4 million people to see it each year.”

Since 2011 World Press Photo Foundation holds this annual photo contest which attracts thousands of photographers worldwide and it is their first time to exhibit in Zimbabwe.

Themed “A picture tells a thousand words: Photojournalism for human rights” to promote human rights through visual journalism’ the Zimbabwe Association for Female Photographers ZAFP in partnership with Hivos and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands made it possible for the exhibition to come to Harare.

“Prior to the exhibition we had a one day Visual Literacy and Documentary Photography Workshop with Dutch photographer Chris de Bode as a way of building confidence and strengthening the practice of our colleagues. In this regard, we are heartened, recognise and applaud the efforts that are being made by local civic organisations towards promoting press freedom and other basic human rights,” said Angela Jimu co-founder of the Zimbabwe Association of Female Photographers.

Sophie Boshouwers encouraged all the photographers in this country to enter the 61st edition photo contest which opens on the first week of December this year.