Documentary Projects Shortlist

Moldova is a nation facing a complex array of challenges and influences. Its patriarchal tendencies, economic struggles, Orthodox traditions and historical ties to colonialism have shaped its society in unique ways. However, Moldova is also a place of resilience and cultural richness, with a diverse population that continues to seek its place on the global stage. Understanding these complexities is essential for both Moldovans and the international community, as it fosters empathy and offers insights into the ongoing evolution of this small yet significant Eastern European nation. Moldova.Lookbook is a project I have been developing for 15 years, aimed at creating a national visual code for my country that would help establish its identity and answer the question ‘who am I?’.

I am a self-taught photographer. If I were asked why I chose photography, I would say that I use it as an instrument to discover the world and understand myself through the photographs I take. The best school of documentary photography is found in all the paths to unknown places and, of course, in books. Moreover, being fully present in the moment is actually how you can see and hear the universe around you.