Tehran Unveils Stunning Winning Shots from International Photo Competition
An exciting exhibition featuring the outstanding works of young photographers from around the globe has officially opened at the Art Bureau of the Islamic Ideology Dissemination Organization in Tehran. This event, held in partnership with the Mehr Media Group, showcases remarkable pieces selected from the 2024 Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest. It offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative and creative images that reveal both the hidden and visible truths of our contemporary world.
The opening ceremony included notable speeches from Mohammad Mahdi Rahmati, the CEO of Mehr Media Group, and Rafael Gevorkyan, Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Tehran. In his address, Rahmati underscored the importance of this exhibition, describing it as “more than just the opening of a photo collection; it’s a window into the human experience—each photograph narrates a story—sometimes of suffering, sometimes of hope, but always of humanity.”
Rahmati emphasized the significance of showcasing young talent from around the world, stating: “In a world where opportunities are often confined to a select few, these young talents, with their brave, precise, and daring visions, have managed to capture the spirit of their times through the language of images.”
He also highlighted the strengthening collaboration between Mehr Media Group and Russian media organizations, mentioning: “This international photo exhibition has roots in a continuous and deep partnership between Iranian and Russian media. Over recent years, Mehr has established close and constructive relations with outlets such as Rossiya Segodnya, TASS, and TV BRICS. These relationships go beyond mere projects, fostering mutual understanding, strategic cooperation, and joint efforts on global issues.”
In his remarks, Gevorkyan also recognized the lasting bonds between Iran and Russia, stating: “We have been neighbors, are neighbors, and will remain so—this is divine will. Therefore, our collaborations should grow deeper and broader each day.”
The exhibition, which is set to run for one week, features works that reflect a variety of themes, including:
- Human issues
- Environmental crises
- Contemporary conflicts
- The beauty of our planet
- Resilience, hope, and solidarity among diverse peoples worldwide
This event serves not only as a platform for appreciating compelling documentary and creative photography but also as a space for meaningful dialogue and reflection regarding our global surroundings.
The Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest is an annual competition dedicated to young photojournalists aged 18 to 33, with the aim of nurturing and highlighting emerging talent. Established in 2014 and named after the Russian photojournalist who tragically lost his life while on assignment, this contest is unique in Russia for its focus on discovering new voices in the realm of international photojournalism.
This prestigious competition is recognized as one of the leading photographic events in Russia, receiving over 2,000 entries from 36 countries last year. An international jury composed of prominent media experts and renowned photographers selected 30 final winners. This year, the winners come from ten diverse countries: Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Italy, China, Myanmar, Russia, Syria, and South Africa. Notably, in previous years, young Iranian photographers have also achieved top placements in this esteemed global contest.
In summary, the exhibition at Tehran’s Art Bureau showcases the remarkable talents of young photographers, offering visitors a chance to experience the rich tapestry of human life through their lenses. This event not only celebrates creativity but also fosters understanding and cooperation between nations through the universal language of photography.
Image Caption: The CEO of Mehr Media Group, Mohammad Mahdi Rahmati (L), and the Chargé d’affaires of the Russian Federation in Tehran, Rafael Gevorkyan, visit the exhibition of selected works from the Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest at Tehran’s Art Bureau on May 12, 2025.
