March 23, 2021

What was Chobi Mela and What Happens Next

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.

About Us

Chobi Mela, the first festival of photography in Asia, is one of the most exciting ventures that Drik and Pathshala has initiated. The first Chobi Mela – International Festival of Photography was held in December 2000 – January 2001. It is the most demographically inclusive photo festival in the world and is held every two years in Dhaka.