Xposure Festival 2026

Xposure Festival 2026

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Xposure is a global festival celebrating photography & filmmaking with exhibitions, talks, awards, and industry networking in Sharjah, UAE.

By Xposure International Photography Festival
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2.2k followers

Select date and time

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:00 - 22:00 GMT+4

Location

Xposure

Muwaileh Commercial Aljada Sharjah, Sharjah United Arab Emirates

About this event

Xposure is a premier international festival celebrating photography, filmmaking, and visual storytelling. It is held annually in Sharjah, UAE. It brings together world-class photographers, filmmakers, and industry experts and offers a dynamic program of exhibitions, focus groups, portfolio reviews, film screenings, workshops, and panel discussions.

Xposure is a hub for photojournalism, humanitarian storytelling, and environmental awareness. It hosts the regional annual Conservation Summit, which highlights critical environmental and sustainability issues. The festival also provides a platform for discussions on ethics in visual media, covering challenges such as social media, misinformation, and AI-generated content.


Dedicated Stages & Events

StageX – A platform dedicated to photography talks and presentations by leading photographers.

Film Stage – The centre for keynotes and panel discussions focused on the film industry and visual storytelling.

The Auditorium – Hosts major festival events, including the Conservation Summit, Award Ceremonies, and prestigious competitions like the Photography Awards, Film Awards, Global Focus Project, and the Independent & Freelance Photojournalism Awards.


Guidance from Industry Experts

Xposure is an opportunity for creatives to engage directly with industry experts, award-winning photographers, filmmakers, and visual storytellers. These professionals provide insightful talks, one-on-one feedback, and practical advice during portfolio reviews and focus groups, helping attendees refine their craft and gain valuable industry knowledge.

With its prestigious photography and film awards, Xposure honours outstanding talent in documentary storytelling, conservation, and humanitarian work. The festival fosters networking, education, and collaboration, making it an essential gathering for visual storytellers, industry professionals, and emerging creatives worldwide.



Frequently asked questions

WHO CAN ATTEND XPOSURE?

Xposure is open to everyone—professional and amateur photographers, filmmakers, industry experts, students, and photography enthusiasts. Admission is free for the general public.

DOES XPOSURE INCLUDE A FILM FESTIVAL?

Xposure is not a traditional red-carpet film festival, but it does include film screenings and film awards through a competition with prizes. The focus is on visual storytelling, education, and industry networking rather than exclusive premiere events.

WHAT KIND OF EXHIBITIONS CAN I EXPECT AT XPOSURE?

Xposure hosts solo and group exhibitions from some of the world’s most acclaimed photographers and emerging talents covering photojournalism, nature, documentary, fine art, and conceptual photography

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS?

Xposure offers a diverse range of workshops for beginners and advanced creatives. Choose what fits your skills and book through the Xposure Official Site (bookings open November 2025)

Organised by

Xposure International Photography & Film Festival is an influential global event held annually in Sharjah, UAE, bringing together the world’s top photographers, filmmakers, and visual artists. Known for its stunning exhibitions, interactive workshops, and insightful talks & discussions, Xposure offers an unmatched platform for both established and emerging creatives to learn, showcase their work, and connect with industry leaders.

Xposure is expanding its focus to include an exciting array of filmmaking presentations, panel discussions and workshops. This new addition highlights the growing intersection of photography and film, bringing in filmmakers from across the globe, including those with Hollywood experience, to share their expertise and creative processes. While Xposure has long been a magnet for leading photographers, its expansion into filmmaking provides even more opportunities for learning and collaboration. These panel discussions are becoming increasingly popular as filmmakers share their stories, discuss the evolving landscape of visual media, and explore new trends and technologies.

Emerging photographers will find Xposure to be an invaluable opportunity to gain exposure, network with influential experts, and advance their careers. It’s also an event where professionals can gain industry insights, receive mentorship, and make global-to-business (G-to-B) connections. The festival also hosts its annual Conservation Summit, spotlighting critical environmental issues and achievements, offering an essential platform for storytellers to contribute to global conversations around change.

Whether you are a photographer eager to learn from the best, an aspiring filmmaker looking for inspiration, someone seeking to engage with experts in the field or a pro attending to networks, Xposure is the ideal event to ignite your creativity, expand your network, and experience the power of visual storytelling.

In addition to its rich exhibitions, talks, and workshops, Xposure International Photography & Film Festival features an exciting tradeshow that brings together leading brands, tech companies, and creative vendors. The tradeshow is an essential part of the festival experience, allowing attendees to explore the latest photography and filmmaking equipment, software, and services. Visitors can interact with exhibitors, discover cutting-edge tools, and take advantage of exclusive offers and demonstrations. Whether you're looking to upgrade your gear or stay updated on industry trends, the Xposure tradeshow is the perfect place to find everything you need to elevate your craft.