World Press Photo Awards Recognize Mackenzie Calle and Zied Ben Romdhane

Zied Ben Romdhane

Congratulations to the two Magnum Foundation supported projects recognized by this year's World Press Photo regional awards! Zied Ben Romdhane was recognized by the Long-Term Projects award for Africa and Mackenzie Calle was recognized by Open Format award for North and Central America.

Mackenzie Calle

2024 Photo Contest, North and Central America, Open Format

The Gay Space Agency by Mackenzie Calle

This project combines fiction with fact in order to confront the US space program’s historical exclusion of openly LGBTQI+ astronauts. In a review of the NASA and United States National Archives, the photographer found no documentation on the contributions of the queer community to the space program. The absence inspired her to imagine The Gay Space Agency, a diverse and inclusionary institution that commemorates and celebrates the history of queer astronauts.

Supported by Magnum Foundation’s Counter History Initiative

Zied Ben Romdhane

2024 Photo Contest, Africa, Long-Term Projects

The Escape by Zied Ben Romdhane

Tunisia’s 2011 revolution, which catalyzed the so-called “Arab Spring,” instilled hope in Tunisians aspiring for democracy, social justice, and freedom of expression. However, the subsequent decade witnessed political instability, persistent economic crises, and social inequality, impacting young people, especially. This project explores the lives of young Tunisians, and aims to contribute to discussion on including them in a better future.

Supported by the Arab Documentary Photography Program