©Valery Melnikov

The Budapest International Foto Awards (BIFA) has announced the winners in its first annual photography competition.

The inaugural edition of the BIFA competition received over 2,700 entries from 82 countries, representing some of the most poignant and powerful stories told through photography.

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A picture, a moment can change the way we feel. Change how we see ourselves. Change our understanding and change the rules. Provoke and change history.

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After evaluating the thousands of images, the Jury selected Valery Melnikov from the Russian Federation for the 2019 ''Photographer of the Year'' award - the top prize in the Professional division - for his insightful work, "Grey Zone", covering some of the devastating impact of the conflict in the Donbass region of Ukraine. In addition to the title, the grand prize earned Melnikov a cash prize of $3000, the coveted BIFA trophy and critical acclaim by the BIFA Jury. 

Nancy Farese took the top prize in the Amateur / Student division, being named 2019 "New Talent of the Year" for her documentary project, "Potential Space: A Serious Look at Child’s Play". Farese will also receive the BIFA Trophy and a $2000 Cash Prize.

1st place Category Winners have also been awarded a $200 Cash Prize, and all winners, as well as, Honorable Mentions will receive the BIFA Winner Certificate and Winner Seal and are now featured on the Winners Gallery on the BIFA website.

2019 BIFA Exhibition

The 2019 BIFA Winners Exhibition will be held at HybridArt Space. The event will showcase the winning images of the first Budapest International Foto Awards, comprising 40 images of the 1st and 2nd place winners of each category.

• Opening Hours: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm (27 November - 3 December 2019)
• Location: HybridArt Space Gallery, Galamb utca 6, 1052 Budapest