About

FOTOGRAFICA, Bergamo Photography Festival, invites talents under 30 to participate in FOTOGRAFICA NEXT, a new Open Call that awards two distinct categories: Photography and AI Photography—projects created wholly or partially with generative AI. This year's theme is “As Brave As We Can,” and all submitted projects must relate to the concept:

Courage isn't something you're born with—it's something you grow into. It’s a journey made of choices, stumbles, doubts and dreams that keep you moving forward. “As Brave As We Can” is an invitation to explore what it really means to be strong. Even when it doesn’t show. Even when it feels scary. The courage to speak your truth, to change direction, to ask for help.To begin something, even if you don’t know where it will take you. Sometimes it’s in the small things: in families, with friends, at school, or at work. Other times, it’s in choices that change everything. We move through expectations, endless scrolling, dreams to defend, rising technological revolutions. But what does it truly mean to face a future that’s still unwritten?

The Open Call aims to amplify the voices of those discovering their unique language and looking at the world with fresh eyes, carrying questions, insights and visions. FOTOGRAFICA NEXT offers them real opportunities for visibility, growth, and professional exchange.

The Open Call is organized in partnership with Fondazione Alfaparf, the non-profit foundation of Alfaparf Milano Group, dedicated to supporting younger generations through various initiatives, including fostering artistic expression—such as photography—as a means of individual and collective growth.

What winners receive

The first-prize winners of each category will receive a €3,000 prize, have a dedicated exhibition at the fifth edition of FOTOGRAFICA (11 October – 9 November 2025), and receive a free portfolio review by a panel of photography professionals during the festival’s opening days.

The shortlisted finalists (5 per category) will participate through a dedicated video projection at the fifth edition of FOTOGRAFICA (11 October – 9 November 2025) and will also receive a free portfolio review by a panel of photography professionals during the festival’s opening days.

About FOTOGRAFICA, Bergamo Photography Festival

FOTOGRAFICA, Bergamo Photography Festival, was founded in 2016 with the aim of exploring contemporary issues through the universal language of photography. The festival seeks to establish a dedicated space in the city where dialogue and cultural exchange can flourish, showcasing internationally significant exhibitions at cultural venues such as the Monastero del Carmine and other iconic locations in Bergamo’s Città Alta.

FOTOGRAFICA also strives to engage local groups and associations with visual culture, actively promoting inclusion and participation from diverse social realities, in recognition of the importance of making culture accessible to everyone.

FOTOGRAFICA is a non-profit social promotion association based in Italy (CF/P.IVA 04282540162, Via Francesco Nullo 28, 24128 Bergamo, Italia - info@fotograficafestival.it).

How to enter

Eligibility & Submission Period:

Free Submission, open from June 4 to August 27, 2025. Open to all photographers and artists aged between 18 and 30.

Accepted Mediums:

Category “Photography”:
Only photographic projects (no single images) consisting of a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 photographs can be submitted. Both analog and digital images are accepted, and projects may include reproductions. Photo retouching is permitted, but image manipulation that alters the reality depicted is not allowed.

Category “AI Photography”:
Only projects (no single images) with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 images can be submitted. Images created entirely or partially with generative artificial intelligence technology, employed during the production stage of the project, are accepted. Projects in which AI usage is limited to the conceptual or post-production phases are not eligible.

Judging criteria

The jury will evaluate the projects based on the following criteria:

1. Personal perspective and uniqueness of artistic expression
2. Relevance to the theme of the Call
3. Coherent development of narrative and project concept
4. Innovation in technical approach and execution