MCI and Creative Manchester reveal 2020 International Photo Essay Competition shortlist

The Manchester China Institute (MCI) and Creative Manchester have said how ‘hugely rewarding’ it has been to receive hundreds of creative submissions to the International Photo Essay Competition during these unusual times.

The images, according to MCI, have emerged through the darkness as acts of unity, humour and compassion.

Both organisations believe that these ideas have been reflected well through the several hundred submissions received for this year’s competition, which centred around the theme, ‘What does family mean to you?’

The first round of judging was carried out by a distinguished panel led by Professor of Public History, Michael Wood, who wrote and presented the celebrated, ‘The Story of China’ for the BBC. After the tough job of whittling down the entries, a shortlist of 30 entries has been selected.

The finalists’ images will now go on display at IPF gallery in Chengdu, China. The exhibition will be open until the closing ceremony on 28 June, when the three winners will be revealed for the categories of UK-based winner (£1,000 prize), China-based winner (£1,000 prize) and the People’s Choice winner (£500).

The People’s Choice Winner is chosen by the general public, and all 30 finalists can be viewed here.

To choose your favourite image, simply ‘like’ your selection to cast your vote. Alternatively, you can vote on WeChat through IPF’s account.

These votes will be amalgamated with ballot votes from within the gallery itself to determine the final winner.