“I chose this topic because I see immense courage in the women of Beutong Ateuh, who continue to defend their ancestral land, even as they face threats and the environmental damage caused by mining. Their struggle also made me think about Cut Nyak Dhien, a woman I have deeply admired since I was young, whose history is connected to Beutong Ateuh. I see a spirit of resistance that continues across generations from the stories of Cut Nyak Dhien and their ancestors, to these women today, and now to their children.” – Riska Munawarah
Riska Munawarah is an Indonesian documentary photographer whose work explores identity, women’s rights, and the social realities shaping everyday life in her hometown.
Since July, the 2026 Joop Swart Masterclass participants have been working on their projects under the guidance of their mentors and participating in online thematic presentations by a lineup of industry professionals. In November, the group will come together in Cairo for an intensive week of workshops, visits, talks, and the final project presentations, where the 13 photographers will share their work in progress with the public during a special event.
Bashar Taleb is a Palestinian photojournalist based in Gaza. His work documents conflict, displacement, and daily life, focusing on the human realities of war and its aftermath.
Cam Juárez is a K’iche’ photographer and visual artist exploring the intersections of autofiction and documentary imagery. She is developing an audiovisual project in Cuba.
Faiz Abubakr Mohammed is a Sudanese photojournalist whose documentary and editorial work examines political upheaval, conflict, and their impact on communities in Sudan.
Farhana Satu is a documentary photographer based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, whose work explores overlooked stories, everyday realities, family, environment, and belonging.
Hadeer Mahmoud is an Egyptian photojournalist and documentary photographer whose work explores women’s rights, displacement, and the lived experiences of marginalized communities.
Haitham Imad
Haitham Imad is a Palestinian photojournalist based in Gaza whose work documents conflict, humanitarian crises, and the resilience of civilian communities.
Nathalia Angarita is a Colombian photographer based in Bogotá whose work explores social inequality, gender, human rights, and environmental issues through long-term documentary storytelling.
Parisa Azadi is an Iranian visual journalist and artist whose work explores political violence, social injustice, and resistance within historically oppressed communities.
Riska Munawarah is an Indonesian documentary photographer whose work explores identity, women’s rights, and the social realities shaping everyday life in her hometown.
Ruba Alfaraouna is a Palestinian visual and sound artist whose work explores voice, land, memory, and Bedouin identity through sound, photography, and video.
