The First International Photography Biennial in The Islamic World was held this year . It was co-ordinated by Saba Cultural & Artistic Institute in Tehran, Iran. We were told “6150 works of art from 40 countries have been collected and about 150 single photos and 32 of collection photos have been selected by scientific committee and will be showcased in the exhibition of the biennial.”

I received an email on the 14th May ‘08 from Saba Cultural and Artisitc Institute :
“Regarding the news of the judgment results of referees on The First International Photography Biennial in The Islamic World, it is a great pleasure for me to tell you that you are one of the winners in the biennial.”

James Nachtwey and Shahidul Alam were the jury members. I did not manage to get hold of Nachtwey but Shahidul had suggested alternative options to Saba Cultural Artistic Institute to get the prize money to the photographers when I drew his attention to the fact that we had not received it and that no one was responding to our emails. I think this was most disappointing…no explanation what so ever…only silence.

They have the best of my work from the Islamic World which includes work from Pakistan, , Iraq, Indonesia and Iran in high resolution (as this is what they required), They have had an exhibition – 10th, June, 2008, created a beautiful catalogue (which we have not received.)As one of the winners I should have received. 800 Euros .. I am led to believe that no photographers has received their prize.

Their silence with NO explanation what so ever has given me no other option but to make you aware…

I am asking you as fellow photographers to take a stand in protest. ….PLEASE DO NOT PARTICIPATE in the next International Photography Biennial in The Islamic World …..if we do NOT stand up for ourselves and support each other we will always find ourselves in situations like these.!

Warm wishes

Jodi Bieber
jodi@jodibieber.com
www.jodibieber.com

A LIST OF THE WINNERS

Single Photo:

Superior Photographers: (Reward: 1500 euros)

- Rula Halawani / Palestine / They Call It Peace
- Espen Rasmussen /Norway / After the Earthquake
- Kai Wiedenhofer / Germany / Gas Demonstration Down Kopie

Selected Photographers: (Reward: 800 erous)

- Mahmud Ibrahim / Qatar / Untitled
- Jodi Bieber / South Africa / Untitled
- Mehdi Monem / Iran / Wedding Party
- Karim Saheb / Iraq / Untitled
- Aliakbar Shirjian / Iran / Untitled

Section 2:

Collection Photo:

Superior Photographers: (Reward: 2000 euros)

- Marco Di Lauro / Italy / The Consequences of the Wars
- Abir Abdullah / Bangladesh / Climate Refugees
- Zeynab Salarvand / Iran / Indoor, beyond outdoor

Selected Photographers: (Reward: 1000 erous)

- Riza Ozel / Turkey / Lebanon War
- Jamshid Fajound Farda / Iran / Love Songs
- Tanvir Ahmed / Bangladesh / Autitic Child