A Night to Remember – Honoring Vision, Truth, and the Power of Images
On October 5, 2025, within the timeless halls of the Benaki Museum in Athens, the global photography community came together for an evening that celebrated vision, truth, and the unyielding human spirit. The 22nd International Photography Awards (IPA) Gala was a night of emotion and inspiration — a tribute to the photographers who continue to shape how we see the world.
The 2025 edition once again highlighted the transformative power of photography, honoring artists whose work captures both the fragility and strength of the human experience. Twenty-two category winners from the Professional and Non-Professional divisions were recognized for their exceptional contributions, each telling a story that extends far beyond the frame.
Among the evening’s most powerful moments was the recognition of Abdelrahman Alkahlout, awarded IPA Photographer of the Year 2025 for his poignant series “Echoes of Genocide: Gaza’s Civilian Suffering.”
Alkahlout’s photographs form a searing yet compassionate record of life under siege — moments of heartbreak and endurance, loss and defiance. His work speaks not only to the suffering of his people but also to their extraordinary strength and dignity. Each image compels the viewer to look closer, to confront the human cost of conflict, and to recognize art’s capacity to serve as both witness and act of remembrance.
The IPA Discovery of the Year 2025 honor went to Marie Sueur for her hauntingly lyrical series “Murmures de l’âme” (Whispers of the Soul). Through her camera, Sueur explores the liminal space between reality and reverie, giving form to emotions that words cannot contain. Her images suggest an inner world — one of silence, fragility, and reflection — that feels especially vital in a time dominated by noise and surveillance.
“As we gathered in Athens to celebrate the incredible talent of photographers from around the globe, I was reminded of why this medium continues to matter so deeply,” said Hannah Lillethun, Program Director of the IPA. “Both Abdelrahman and Marie create images that transcend documentation — they move us, challenge us, and remind us of our shared humanity.”
The evening not only celebrated the achievements of this year’s winners but also reaffirmed the mission at the heart of the International Photography Awards: to champion photographers who illuminate the world through courage, creativity, and compassion.
Explore the complete gallery of 2025 IPA winners on the official website — a collection of images that reflect the boundless ways photography can reveal, question, and inspire.