South African Talent Spotlighted as Local Photographer Secures Global GFX Challenge Grant

In a ground-breaking achievement for South Africa's creative community, Cape Town photographer Jodi Windvogel has been crowned the winner of the prestigious Fujifilm GFX Challenge Grant Programme 2023, standing out among over 2,000 submissions from photographers worldwide. This victory is historic as it represents the first occasion South African photographers have been invited to participate in the esteemed grant programme, underscoring the country’s emerging influence in the global photography scene.

Windvogel's compelling project, 'The Body at Risk', delves into the harrowing realities of gender-based violence in South Africa, a country grappling with high incidences of violence against women. Her poignant project has landed her a $10,000 grant, equipping her with the financial support needed to actualize her vision. Furthermore, Fujifilm is providing Windvogel with cutting-edge photographic gear, including a Fujifilm large format GFX System camera body and a pair of GF lenses, enhancing her journey in capturing powerful and evocative imagery.

Despite the picturesque landscapes of the Western Cape Province, these sceneries have been witness to innumerable instances of sexual and physical abuse. Windvogel's project aims to uncover and document 30 to 40 such sites, presenting each location not as a mere backdrop but as a narrative force that speaks volumes about the violence endured yet often unseen. By intentionally choosing not to depict individuals in her photographs, Windvogel respects the victims’ privacy and dignity, allowing the landscapes themselves to awake the haunting absence left by acts of violence.

The initiative by Windvogel is pivotal in creating an enduring discussion about the security and vulnerability of women in South Africa. The photographs serve as silent echoes of untold stories, challenging viewers to confront the psychological impacts of gender-based violence — a core issue she aims to navigate through her art form. In sharing these sites through her lens, Windvogel aims to amplify the voices of survivors, foster greater awareness, and ignite dialogues about the critical topic of women's safety.

Fujifilm’s GFX Challenge Grant Programme is now in its third edition, aimed at nurturing emerging talents and providing them with the necessary resources to explore meaningful subjects through their craft. Fujifilm South Africa has expressed pride in Windvogel’s accomplishment and its impact. Deon Brits, general manager of the Imaging Solutions Division at Fujifilm South Africa, acknowledged Windvogel's keen photographic sense and the potential of the GFX large format cameras in capturing extraordinary images that reflect the severity of her subject matter.

Windvogel's work with the Fujifilm GFX system, most notably the GFX100 II, is set to result in unparalleled visual narratives. The photographer envisions her project reaching the public eye through large-scale prints, which offer viewers an up-close experience of the gripping landscapes and the untold stories they harbor.

Upon the completion of the project in June 2024, the fruits of Windvogel's labor and that of other grant recipients will be displayed on Fujifilm's website and at an exhibition at Fujifilm Square in Roppongi, Tokyo, bringing global exposure to the critical issues explored in these photographic essays.