The "Protest for Juraj and Matúš" photo became the Grand Prix winner at the 2023 Slovak Press Photo competition. (source: Dorota Holubová)
The image of a crowd demonstrating after a terrorist attack on Zámocká Street in Bratislava almost a year ago, in which two queer people died, became the absolute winner of the Slovak Press Photo competition earlier this week.
The Grand Prix photo is called Protest for Juraj and Matúš and comes from the Screaming and Crying Activists series taken by independent photographer Dorota Holubová.
Her photograph from the protest also dominated the News category.
Holubová is the first woman to win the Slovak Press Photo Grand Prix.
Winning photos are on display
Just a few days before the attack on Zámocká Street, another tragedy took place a short distance away, on Zochová Street, with five students losing their lives. There, a drunk driver rammed into people at a bus stop at high speed.
The work of the rescue services was captured by photographer Branislav Račko. His photo series, which ends in a courtroom, won in the News category.
The war in Ukraine dominated the Daily Life category. The complete list of winnners is available here.
A total of 151 photographers from Central Europe and Ukraine entered the competition this year, sending 1,495 photos, including 152 photo series.
The winning works will be exhibited on Hviezdoslav Square in Bratislava from September 21 until the end of October.
Grand Prix
Dorota Holubová – "Protest for Matúš and Juraj (Crying and Screaming Activists)"
The photograph "Protest for Juraj and Matúš" was awarded the Grand Prix at the 2023 Slovak Press Photo competition. (source: Dorota Holubová)
Category: News
Single Photograph:
Dorota Holubová – "Protest for Matúš and Juraj"
Series:
Branislav Račko – "Zochova Bus Stop Tragedy"
A drunk driver crashed into people waiting at the Zochova bus stop in October 2022. (source: Branislav Račko)
Category: Reportage
Matej Kalina – "De Paul"
The St. Vincent de Paul dormitory in Bratislava shelters more than 180 homeless people. (source: Matej Kalina)
Category: Daily Life (international)
Single Photograph:
András Hajdú (Hungary) – "Kherson Boy"
This photograph, taken after Ukrainian forces liberated Kherson, portrays the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of struggle. (source: András Hajdú)
Series:
Oleg Petrasiuk (Ukraine) – "Impact of War"
A collection of photographs captured in various locations and timeframes offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of Ukrainian people amidst the backdrop of wartime challenges and hardships. (source: Oleg Petrasiuk)
Category: Portrait
Series:
Martin Mikláš – "Manuela of Nazaré"
The Nazaré fish market witnessed the first auction in Portugal where fish began to be sold by the kilogam rather than per piece (source: Martin Mikláš)
Category: Environment and Nature (international)
Series:
Zsolt Balázs (Hungary) – "We'll Stay Even After This Land Dried Out" (Stories from the Hungarian Great Plain After the Historic Summer Drought)
Fishermen haul in their fishing nets at Hortobágyi fish lake in Hungary. (source: Zsolt Balázs)
Category: Arts and Culture
Single Photograph:
Tomáš Hrivňák – "Cultural Heritage in Flames (Ashes and Keys)"
"Cultural Heritage in Flames (Ashes and Keys)". (source: Tomáš Hrivňák)
Series:
Oliver Ondráš – "Romas Radiate"
Girls and boys from the Roma ensemble Kesaj Tchave dance during a Christmas performance in Poprad. (source: Oliver Ondráš)
Category: Sport
Single Photograph:
Pavol Gašpar – "Veni Vidi Vici"
Vladimir Weiss gestures to fans at a match. (source: Pavol Gašpar)
Series:
Martin Domok – "Finally, I’m Done"
Slovak cyclist Peter Sagan is pictured at the start of the 20th stage of the 110th edition of the Tour de France in Belfort. (source: Martin Domok)
Category "Students and Young Photographers up to 26" (international)
Single Photograph:
František Javorský (Czechia) – "Czech Military Parade"
The authors's depiction of an event on Saturday, October 28, 2022, which is Czechoslovakia's Independence Day. (source: František Javorský)
Series:
Dorota Jedináková – "What Is a Home If Not the First Place You Learn to Run From?"
By photographing daily routines, habits, interactions and emotions, the author documented the aspects that define B., his gender identity and character. (source: Dorota Jedináková)
Category: Long-Term Document (international)
Series:
Marta Földešová – "Quiet Places"
"Quiet places" (source: Marta Foldesová)
Bratislava Grant
Branislav Račko - "Lakes of Bratislava "
Climate change means ever more "tropical" days for the residents of Bratislava. (source: Branislav Račko)
Young Talent of the Year
Dorota Jedináková – "What Is a Home If Not the First Place You Learn to Run From?"
Another image from Dorota Jedináková's award-winning series. (source: Dorota Jedináková)
