Maldives

Ashwa Faheem is a passionate photographer based in Maldives. With a Master's degree in Photography from Leicester, United Kingdom, Ashwa's aspiration is to travel the world and document compelling stories. Over the past 8 years, Ashwa has embarked on numerous journeys across Maldives, collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds. Through this unique experience, Ashwa has had the privilege of witnessing and documenting the unfolding history of various countries. From political landscapes to the pressing social issues, such as the profound impact of climate change, Ashwa's lens captures the essence of these narratives. With a profound dedication to his craft, Ashwa Faheem continues to illuminate the world through his powerful visual storytelling.

Sri Lanka

Dhananjaya Rathnayake is a professional in the field of visual communication design. With a Bachelor of Visual Arts degree in Visual Communication Design from the University of Visual & Performing Arts Colombo, Dhananjaya has established himself as a talented Art Director with an experience in commercial advertising. With an eight-year experience in the industry, Dhananjaya began his career as an Art Director, with his skills and expertise in crafting compelling visual concepts. Currently, he operates as a freelance professional, managing multiple clients and providing services in visual concept artwork designing and commercial photography. Throughout his journey, Dhananjaya's artistry has been deeply influenced by the world of visual communication, particularly in the advertising domain. His extensive experience in brand commercial photography has allowed him to develop a keen eye for capturing images that convey powerful messages and evoke emotions. Beyond his role as an Art Director, Dhananjaya possesses a diverse skill set encompassing cinematography, layout artistry, and commercial photography. This versatility allows him to approach projects from multiple angles, adding depth and sophistication to his work. With a portfolio of accomplishments and a commitment to professionalism, Dhananjaya Rathnayake stands as a figure in the visual communication design industry. His dedication to delivering exceptional results, combined with his passion for artistic expression, has solidified his position as a sought-after professional in the field.

Sri Lanka

Sanjaya Mendis is Cinematographer and Photographer based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. With over 8 years of experience in the industry, he has had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned brands such as Dilmah Tea, UNDP, British Council, Room To Read, SLYCAN Trust, MAS, CTC, and Ceylon Biscuits Limited, among others. Specializing in Director of Photography (DOP) and photography, Sanjaya has honed his skills in various genres, including documentary, travel, food, and product photography. Sanjaya's journey in the creative field began with his graduation from AMDT School of Creativity, where he obtained an HND in Animation & Design. He furthered his education at the Sri Lanka Foundation Digital Film Academy, earning a Higher National Diploma at level 7 in Film & TV. These educational achievements have provided him with a solid foundation and a deep understanding of the technical aspects of his craft.

Sri Lanka

Nuwan Attanayake is a professional in the sciences who has merged his academic background with a passion for documentary filmmaking. He believes in the transformative power of storytelling to effect positive change in society and ecosystems. Through his work, Nuwan seeks to raise awareness and stimulate dialogue around important social, cultural, and environmental issues. With an impressive portfolio of national and international projects spanning from 2010 to 2015, including acclaimed short films for the esteemed production company Filmbox and photography research projects like "Angampora: A Nation's Legacy in Pictures," Nuwan has brought untold stories from his native Sri Lanka and beyond to global audiences. In 2016, Nuwan co-founded Luna Productions, an independent film production company that remained active until 2020. During this period, Luna Productions spearheaded collaborative and interdisciplinary projects, such as the feature documentary "Abundance," which delved into the history and tradition of agricultural practices in Sri Lanka. This project was commissioned by Colomboscope in 2017. He has worked on "Where We're From," a captivating short film exploring the profound connection between music and nature through the musicians from the band "The Soul Sri Lanka." More recently, Nuwan has expanded his scope to film consultancy and project coordination, assuming pivotal roles in Citizen Journalism initiatives for esteemed organizations like IREX and USAID. In 2023, he independently created "UNTAPPED," a feature documentary highlighting the burgeoning bamboo movement in Sri Lanka. With an objective to raise consciousness and shed light on impactful ideas, Nuwan Attanayake continues his path as a storyteller, passionately seeking the next untold story that will captivate audiences and drive meaningful change.

Ghana

Yaw Afrim Gyebi best known as “YAG” is a photojournalist and documentary photographer on climate change, a social activist, and an entrepreneur. He is based in Kumasi, in the Ashanti region of Ghana. He focuses on societal issues that affect people's daily lives, with a particular interest in women, children and vulnerable communities which has been published in Xinhua News and other local media houses. His projects include "Lost Faces of Humanity", a portrait photograph that focuses on senior citizens and mentally challenged people who have been neglected by societies and project "Street Angels" which focuses on migrants from other parts of Africa who depends on the street for survival. He is working on a personal documentary project highlighting the Cultural and Socio-Economic Challenges of Female Head Porters “Kayayei” while Enforcing Women's Empowerment and Girls' Rights in Ghana. Yaw is a professional member of several photography organizations including 24 Hour Project, Photographers Without Borders, Expeditie Africa, and African Photo Journalism Database (APJD), which is a joint project by World Press Photo and Everyday Africa. He bridges the gap between change-makers, NGOs, aid agencies, foundations, and the misfortune communities using photography to bring understanding to social issues.

Uganda

Anthony Atiko is an adventurous documentary photographer based in Uganda. With a desire to capture the essence of life, Anthony has embarked on a captivating journey of visual storytelling that resonates with passion and purpose. As a self-taught photographer, Anthony firmly believes that the most profound lessons are learned through firsthand experience. Guided by this conviction, he has immersed himself in diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and profound human experiences, ceaselessly seeking fresh perspectives and invaluable insights. Anthony's photographic endeavours around two pivotal areas have shaped his creative focus. He has dedicated extensive coverage to migrations and the lives of refugees in Uganda. With his camera as a powerful medium, Anthony tries to amplify the voices of these marginalized individuals, shedding light on their extraordinary struggles and showcasing their unwavering resilience. By documenting their arduous journeys and sharing their stories, he unveils a deeply human narrative that fosters understanding, empathy, and compassion. He has directed his keen eye and compassionate lens towards the health sectors in Uganda and across Africa. Driven by an unwavering captivation with the intersection of healthcare and human experiences, he skillfully captures the challenges, triumphs, and ongoing endeavours to improve healthcare systems. Each moment Anthony encounters in his photographic journey becomes an opportunity for personal growth, learning, and profound connections. His dedication to the craft of storytelling has been widely acknowledged and celebrated on both local and international platforms. Anthony has had the privilege of exhibiting his captivating work in prestigious galleries, captivating audiences and moving them with the poignant narratives he portrays. Believing in the transformative power of photography, Anthony is driven by the conviction that it possesses the unparalleled ability to change hearts and minds, bridge divides, and instigate tangible and meaningful change. With his camera serving as a resounding voice, he commits himself to utilize his photography to make a substantial difference and contribute to a world that embraces compassion, understanding, and unity.