Olivier Papegnies’ photos
exhibited in Old Montréal

World Press Photo announces the cancellation of its 15th edition at Marché Bonsecours

Montreal, August 13, 2020

The Expo World Press Photo Montreal team announces the cancellation of its exhibition originally scheduled from August 26 to October 4, at Marché Bonsecours. Despite the support and backing of long-time partners and after exploring several scenarios until the very last minute, the team resolves to cancel the event.

An award-winning series, now on display in Old Montréal

Public health guidelines and the current concern for protecting the health of the team and visitors lead to this conclusion. Compared to the Oscars of photography, the World Press Photo is the most prestigious professional photography competition in the world. Over the years, the Montreal edition, one of the most popular in the world, has become a cultural ritual, welcoming more than 60,000 people each year.

Les Gazelles de Gouandé – © Olivier Papegnies

“We would like to thank our team members, suppliers, partners, SDC Vieux-Montréal, Marché Bonsecours and the City of Montreal for their support over the past few months. We were impressed and touched by their mobilization efforts. ”, explains Yann Fortier, Executive Director of the event.

‘Compared to the Oscars of photography, the World Press Photo is the most prestigious professional photography competition in the world.’

An award-winning series exhibited on de la Commune Street West

Thanks to the support of the SDC Vieux-Montréal, the World Press Photo Montréal team has been exhibiting for the past few days 12 photos from the series Les Gazelles de Gouandé, by Belgian photographer Olivier Papegnies, winner of a World Press Photo Award this year in the Sports category. These 12 large-format images will be visible all fall on outdoor structures on de la Commune Street West, facing the Lockmen’s Market, le Marché des Éclusiers.

Les Gazelles de Gouandé – © Olivier Papegnies

History of the Gazelles de Gouandé

In northern Benin, the village of Gouandé has become an emancipation field for several young women, members of the Gazelles de Gouandé, one of the 16 women’s soccer teams created as part of Impact’Elle. These young sportswomen find a space and an opportunity to assert themselves while freeing themselves from certain stereotypes.

About the photographer, Olivier Papegnies

Photojournalist Olivier Papegnies lives and works in Brussels and is closely interested in human issues. His reports are published in the Belgian and international media. He regularly collaborates with various non-governmental organisations (Médecins du Monde, Médecins Sans Frontières, Amnesty International, etc.). His projects have taken him to Haiti, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Ivory Coast and Benin.