In recent years, the European photography scene has been enriched by a new generation of talented artists and photographers whose innovative approaches and fresh perspectives have been reshaping contemporary discourses in the field. Through their distinct styles, thematic explorations and technical mastery, these visionaries are redefining the boundaries of photography and pushing the medium into new and uncharted territories.

The five photographers selected for this year's FUTURES because they each bring a unique perspective and creative vision to the FUTURES project, which can elevate its visual impact and appeal. They also have the technical expertise to produce high-quality images and the artistic vision necessary to add depth and dimension to the final product.

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In terms of experience, these five artists have the required experience and expertise in a wide range of photography styles and techniques, which allows them to approach a project from multiple angles and produce images that are both visually stunning and technically sound. They have each demonstrated absolute professionalism, ensuring that projects are completed on time and to the desired standards.

First initiated in 2010, Photo Romania Festival puts photography firmly in the spotlight of Romanian cultural life. Since its creation, it has established the city of Cluj-Napoca within a worldwide network of high-class photography festivals, as well as launching the first photography museum in Romania – with the help of the Cluj-Napoca City Hall and the National Museum of Transylvanian History.

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In the last decade, Photo Romania Festival has hosted hundreds of exhibitions by Romanian and international photographers – as well as workshops, concerts, competitions, a series of Photo Stories conferences and many other special events.

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This year’s selection was made with the purpose of promoting emerging artists, whose interesting projects could benefit from a boost through the FUTURES project and
community. The artists in question were selected via an online portfolio review, administered by a jury of international photography experts. Our aim was to adopt a
transparent approach, offering equal opportunities to the applicants.

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The cohort of selected artists for 2022 have great potential; we are confident that with the support of the FUTURES network, they will all continue to advance. The variety and diversity that our selection brings is particularly important in the context of an increasingly heterogeneous Europe – a Europe that, simultaneously, strives for unity in thoughts and ideas.

Photo Romania Festival is the first and largest photography festival in Romania, started more than 10 years ago, in the beautiful city of Cluj Napoca. It was born out of passion, kept alive with the same vision, and in time grew to be an internationally renowned festival. Over a decade, the festival hosted hundreds of exhibitions, workshops, courses, meetings and discussions, portfolio reviews and developed a large community where people interested in photography could meet and discuss their passion. In 2015, we started one of the first European active networks in photography, PHEN, with more than 20 European festivals and, in 2018, we became part of a
larger project, Futures, financed by Creative Europe.