“Oltre l’apparenza”: contemporary photography at Ragusa Photo Festival 2025

From August 28 to September 28, 2025, the historic baroque heart of Ragusa Ibla becomes a vibrant open-air gallery for the 13th edition of the Ragusa Foto Festival, titled “Beyond Appearance”.

This year, exhibitions will take place across the city in stunning venues like Palazzo Cosentini, Palazzo La Rocca, San Vincenzo Ferreri Auditorium, and the Giardino Ibleo, transforming Ragusa into a visual journey where contemporary photography meets architectural heritage.

Under the artistic direction of Massimo Siragusa and the vision of founder Stefania Paxhia, the festival offers a dynamic program including talks, portfolio reviews, workshops, seminars, guided tours, screenings, and book presentations. The opening days (August 28–31) feature public events and networking opportunities for photography professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The main exhibitions feature acclaimed international photographers such as Jessica Backhaus, Stefano De Luigi, Charles Fréger, Maria Lax, Maud Rallière, Alessia Rollo, Johannes Seyerlein, and Cristina Vatielli. A site-specific project by Francesca Todde is also on display, developed during her artist residency supported by the Cesare and Doris Zipelli Foundation.

The festival also highlights Analog Milano’s curated selection of analog photographers — Andrew Rovenko, Danae Panagiotidi, Melisa Oechsle, Francis O’Shaughnessy, and the duo Cataldo–De Marzo — chosen from over 250 applicants. Meanwhile, the OFF Circuit, in collaboration with the local photo club ASA 25, showcases works by around 40 photographers selected from 625 images submitted via open call. Their projects will be featured both online and in satellite venues around the city.

Other highlights include the short film “Compagni di Viaggio” (directed by Sara De Martino, produced by Fondazione Con il Sud), developed in collaboration with IED Rome students; and the presentation of award-winning portfolios by Flora Mariniello (Best Portfolio 2024) and Antonello Ferrara (special mention).

With the Italian National Commission for UNESCO as a patron and Sony as technical partner, the festival is produced by APS Antiruggine and supported by regional public institutions, foundations, and private sponsors.

A must-see for photography lovers and anyone curious to discover how visual storytelling is reshaping contemporary culture in a deeply historical setting.

Info and tickets on official website