Hamburg Press Freedom Week - laif foundation for independent photojournalism

Freedom of the press is in danger – at all levels, globally and locally.

With their initiative, the Körber Foundation and the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS want to publicize the topic as an important element of pluralism and democracy.

The value of press freedom for democracy and peaceful coexistence is elementary. That is why everyone is called upon to defend the freedom of the press – at all times and everywhere with determination.

Right from the start, laif has been involved as a partner for press photography with visuals and presentations.

Most recently with a lecture and screening of the award-winning photo project “Zuhause riecht es nach Rauch”.

What remains of home when your own country becomes the perpetrator? Who do you become when your own family suddenly feels foreign? How do you find a new language when your profession is practically forbidden in the country?

Siberian-born photographer Aliona Kardash explores these questions in her project. In the lecture, she will talk about how to reflect on complex topics such as war through personal and intimate stories.

Aliona Kardash was awarded the Otto Steinert Prize for Photography for this project. She has lived in Germany since 2019 and is represented by the laif agency. The picture shows her with her parents and grandmother on the house terrace.

Aliona Kardash: It smells of smoke at home