Скачать или смотреть Believe - Panel Discussion 2024 (courtesy of NZME)

Auckland Festival of Photography 2024 gathered a group of lens-based artists, photojournalists and ‘photography-manipulators’ whose oeuvre relies on or questions this fundamental, human trait of ‘belief.’

From the documentary images captured by NZME photojournalists on the beat through to raw data beamed — from 1.5 million kilometres away — down to earth by Nasa’s Webb Telescope. The old photojournalist adage “Pics or it didn’t happen,” or “Seeing is believing,” has always been the mantra. From current affairs films examining the aftermath of Britain’s worst residential fire since WWII, to documenting the reality of protests across the Middle East during the “Arab Spring,” through to flora and seemingly innocent tourist spots from the comfort of cruise ships – filmmakers and photographers are now grappling with the rise of AI, convincing “deep fakes,” and the proliferation of “alternative” media – which now raises questions - can we believe in what we see? How can we verify the veracity of the visual media we consume?

This year’s programme succinctly and overtly makes us question where our trust lies and what leaps of faith we are willing — or perhaps forced — to take in order to bridge the gap between our knowledge and the world of visual stimuli we consume daily and at unprecedented speeds.

Believe, or don’t; that is the question.

'Believe' Panel Discussion: 12pm-2pm - A discussion on the "Believe" theme with: Moderator: Julia Durkin, MNZM, Founder/CEO, AFP

Panel members:

Sarah Palmer, Photojournalist - "Wish You Were Here"
Sarah Palmer is a photographer based in Toronto, Canada. Her work straddles the realm of journalism and fine art, questioning the conventional limits that both of these worlds hold for the viewer and artist alike. She explores pop culture and current events with a focus on the subcultures that these gatherings draw in.

Sharron Ward, producer/director Katalyst Productions. The company was founded by Sharron Ward an Emmy, Royal Television Society & BAFTA award-winning filmmaker who has made observational documentaries and investigative films for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 in the UK, Al Jazeera & The Guardian amongst others. She is an Auckland based Director/Producer and cinematographer who specialises in films focussed on the climate crisis, conservation and wildlife.

NZME Photojournalists: Janette Dalley, Head of Visuals News, NZME.

Jon Carapiet, Photographer - 'Legacy'. Using A.I. that Jon re-animates old photos to bring them to life, Legacy explores themes of celebrity and power in the modern world. The pictures challenge the conventions of both photography and portraiture. They create a new perspective on time, remembrance and the traditional role of photography as 'memento mori'. A series of portraits of 'the greats' of our time.
Jon has a BA (Hons) in archeology, anthropology and art history from St Johns College, Cambridge University.