ActiveStills
Activestills collective was established in 2005 by a group of documentary photographers out of a strong conviction that photography is a vehicle for social and political change. We believe in the power of images to shape public attitudes and raise awareness on issues that are generally absent from public discourse. We view ourselves as part of the struggle against all forms of oppression, racism, and violations of the basic right to freedom.
The collective – that members Israeli, Palestinian and international photographers - operates in Palestine/Israel and focuses on social and political documentation, publications, and exhibitions. We work on various topics including: the Palestinian popular struggle against the Israeli occupation, rights of women, LGTBQ, migrants and asylum-seekers, public housing, and other forms of economic oppression.
Israeli public opinion is shaped first and foremost by the mainstream media that is becoming more racist and inciting. The impact of this process is evident in increased public support for violent military operations, racist legislation, and discriminatory policies. We wish to challenge this state of affairs by producing work that exposes inequality and conveys messages that contest oppression and brings the voices and images of those who are invisible and unheard into the public discourse.
Our collective is based upon the belief that mutual work serves each photographer’s personal expression, and that joint projects create powerful shared statements. We believe that the photos we take belong to those whose struggles are documented, and thus we share our archive with different activist groups. Our photos are often exhibited by local communities at events, conferences, demonstrations, and court hearings. Our images are frequently published in alternative and leading media as well as by human rights, development, and advocacy agencies.
In solidarity with the Palestinian people’s struggle for their inalienable rights, Activestills calls for: The end of Israel’s ongoing illegal occupation and colonization of Palestinian and Syrian territory, and the removal of the Israeli separation wall; The end of institutionalized discrimination against non-Jewish citizens of Israel, and respect for the human rights of all, regardless of ethnicity; Recognition and implementation of the rights of Palestinian refugees according to UN Resolution 194, including the right of return; Prosecution of those responsible for war crimes.
Members: Ahmad al-Bazz, Fiaz Abu-Rmeleh, Shiraz Grinbaum, Keren Manor, Anne Paq, Ryan Rodrick Beiler, Yotam Ronen, Tess Scheflan, Oren Ziv, Basel Yazouri. Contributers: Hamde Abu Rahma, Mareike Lauken, Tali Mayer, Omar Sameer, Shahaf Polakow.
