Visa pour l’Image 2018: 9 things not to miss

The countdown to the the 30th edition of Visa pour l’Image has begun, with the popular festival of international photojournalism returning to the medieval city of Perpignan, southern France, from 1 to 18 September 2018.

Photojournalists, photo agency representatives, editors, curators and photography students, plus industry experts and journalists, will converge to enjoy a packed programme of exhibitions, discussions, screenings and awards during Professional Week from 3 to 8 September.

With a long list of powerful exhibitions and inspiring talks in locations around the city, here are 9 things not to miss at the 2018 festival – the 29th year Visa pour l'Image has partnered with Canon Europe to celebrate the best in photojournalism, and to support the future of the industry.

1. Test out Canon kit

Head over to the Canon Experience Zone to get hands-on with the all the latest Canon products – the very latest in groundbreaking photo, video and printing equipment. You’ll find us in the festival headquarters in the Palais des Congrès. Free to enter, the Zone will be a hive of activity, and a great place to network with fellow industry insiders and to find some photographic inspiration...

4. Rising stars presented

Want to see the work of the next generation of photojournalists? From 4 September, the best five portfolios produced by photography students on the Canon Student Programme will be presented from 11am to 12 noon each day on the first floor of the Palais des Congrès (accreditation will be required).

5. Paolo Pellegrin screening

Canon Ambassador Paolo Pellegrin is an acclaimed photojournalist and the winner of 10 World Press Photo awards. A large retrospective screening dedicated to his work will be shown in the outdoor auditorium at Campo Santo on 7 September at 9.30pm (get there at 9.00pm to avoid disappointment).

6. Visa 30th anniversary retrospective

In recognition of this 30th edition of Visa pour l’Image, a special exhibition will look back over the festival’s history and the photographers who have made this annual celebration of photojournalism so special. It will be on show at Couvent des Minimes from 1 to 16 September.

7. Women in photojournalism

A panel discussion on women in photojournalism, called In Search of Balance, will be chaired by Canon Ambassador Hilary Roberts, curator of the Imperial War Museum in London. She will be joined by Canon Ambassador Ilvy Njiokiktjien, the 2017 Canon Female Photojournalist Award winner Catalina Martin-Chico, and the 2018 Award winner. They will discuss a range of topics surrounding women who work in photojournalism and reportage at the Palais des Congrès on 5 September from 3pm to 4.30pm (accreditation will be required).

8. Get your tech questions answered

Receive technical advice and support from the specialist Canon Professional Services (CPS) technicians on hand in the Canon Experience Zone in the Palais des Congrès. And if you’re a member, they’ll give your Canon products a free service and clean while you’re there. The CPS desk will also offer product loans to members (with valid ID).

9. Award-winning images by Veronique de Viguerie

Veronique de Viguerie’s series Yemen, The Hidden War, won the 2018 ICRC Humanitarian Visa d’Or Award. In an assignment for Paris-Match, she overcame huge obstacles to document the major conflict and associated humanitarian disaster in the country. The images will be on display at Couvent des Minimes from 1 to 18 September.