Mesnographies Festival: unwavering bonds

This year, Mesnographies festival, nearby Paris, brings together photographers from eleven countries in a bold, socially engaged selection. At its heart is sorority explored as a force of resistance, healing, and solidarity, alongside themes linked to identity, environmental issues, and displacement.

Cover photo by Hoda Ahshar

Among other artists, photographer Hoda Afshar captures the strength of Iranian women abroad through portraits inspired by the 2022 protests. Melissa Schriek’s honors female friendship with intimate, choreographed images that counter toxic stereotypes and center tenderness, trust, and connection.

Henrike Stahl presents a tender portrait of life with her daughter Rio, who lives with a disability. Through everyday scenes, she reveals a quiet courage in Rio and herself, the viewer to witness both the uncertainty and the beauty of their shared journey.

Mesnographies festival takes place at the Parc des Mesnuls and surrounding spaces, until July 14, near Paris, France.