Over 18 years, Chobi Mela has mirrored tectonic shifts in photography, moving from challenging Western gazes to embracing diverse, Global South perspectives. From early themes of fighting inequality to later focuses on autobiography and abstraction, the festival has evolved alongside technology—from darkrooms to smartphones—always maintaining a fierce commitment to the camera’s power.

Pathshala South Asian Media Institute and VII Academy present a nine-month mentorship for nine emerging South Asian photographers. The program, designed for both self-taught artists and graduates, focuses on developing in-depth projects through rigorous research, personal narrative exploration, and innovative methods. Participants will receive micro-grants and guidance from expert mentors to refine their work for exhibition or publication.

Chobi Mela Shunno (Zero edition) upholds Drik and Pathshala’s core values, committed to a safe, inclusive, and discrimination-free environment. Building on an 18-year legacy of strong gender policies, the festival demands a respectful, fear-free space for all, regardless of gender, race, class, religion, or sexuality, urging collective ownership of this vital principle.

Chobi Mela announces a special edition, “Shunno,” from February 12-21, 2021. This experimental festival invites artists, thinkers, and activists to explore self-reflective processes and community collaborations. Featuring eight projects by 75 South Asian artists, “Shunno” will showcase diverse media—from photography to live performance—challenging boundaries and celebrating critical citizenship through spontaneous, intuitive, and conceptual happenings.

ম্যাগনামের প্রখ্যাত আলোকচিত্রী সুজান ম্যাসাইলাস, যার নিকারাগুয়া বিপ্লবের কাজ ইতিহাসের এক অনবদ্য দলিল। কেবল সংবাদ দাতা নন, তিনি মানুষের সাথে গভীর সম্পর্ক গড়ে তোলেন, যা তার ‘রিফ্রেমিং হিস্ট্রি’ প্রকল্পে দৃশ্যমান। ছবি মেলা দশম আয়োজনে প্রদর্শিত তার কাজ নিয়ে এই লেখা, যা একজন আলোকচিত্রীর দায়বদ্ধতা ও যৌথতার গল্প বলে।