Frédéric Mitterrand in Perpignan

August 30th, Frédéric Mitterrand, Minister of Culture and Communications, was in Perpignan for the 22nd International Festival of Photojournalism, Visa pour l'image. He used the opportunity to go over the findings of a report by the Ministry on the state of cultural affairs and photojournalism.

Just one year ago, Minister Mitterrand had been warned by members of the photojournalism profession of the fragile state of affairs. Therefore, he decided to take stock in an occupation that he stated is essential to ensuring "free, plural and diverse press and proper access to information."

"Photography is a fully valid form of expression, just like writing, cinema, the performing arts and architecture. It is a medium for artistic original work and for showing the world and the complexity of our times. This festival truly highlights this very fact."

He presented the preliminary conclusions of the Ministry report and consequent and impending decisions.

Photography is in a phase of constant adjustment to the changes of the digital era. That photojournalism is undergoing a major crisis is not news. Yet, Frédéric Mitterrand is confident that the profession has a bright future. "It is not photojournalism that is being questioned, but rather the economic, social and technological paradigm in which photojournalists are required to work. This is a crisis that touches the profession, photojournalists, agencies, editors, and working conditions. My Ministry will remain extremely vigilant."

He spoke of the specific problems effecting photojournalism: the economic trials of the written press, heightened competition due to broader use of digital photography, and the increase in visibility of the work of "amateur photographers."

Last March, Minister Mitterrand founded the "Mission de la photographie" or the Ministry's Panel on Photography. The aim of the Panel is to offer a one-stop point of contact within the ministry for those working in photography to raise any issues related to the place of photography in the world of culture and media.

Frédéric Mitterrand offered the following elements that need to be addressed in order to find a"solution to the crisis:"

An Observatory for Photojournalism: Founding of an observatory where individual professionals, professional groups and unions can meet with an independent figure;
Working conditions: the Ministry has already called for better cover for journalists in dangerous areas. This includes monitoring press card clearances; defining press agencies, a minimum wage for photo stringers, rules on practicing several professions and copyrights; Frédéric Mitterrand discussed the working conditions of photojournalists, the physical hazards that many face especially when working in dangerous or conflict plagued areas. He mentioned Hervé Ghesquière and Stéphane Taponier who continue to be held hostage in Afghanistan.
Orphan works and Copyright. A consultation will be organized by the CSPLA (High Council on Litterary and Artistic Property) to discuss all subjects related to orphan works and copyright and to define new rules for diffusion, which are simple, fair and effective.
Awareness-raising with the general public and especially with young people. One reason that is often given for the current crisis is that "photos don't sell magazines anymore." Yet, Visa pour l'image has more visitors every year, which contradicts this. As a part of efforts to raise awareness, Press and Media Week 2011 - a program in which 4.5 million students take part - will focus this year on "photojournalism and press illustration."

Photojournalists must continue to record and tell the story for future generations: it is their vocation.

Frédéric Mitterrand concluded by quoting Milan Kundera: "Memory does not film, but photographs."

Marion Mozzi