France’s international photojournalism festival founder Leroy dies

Jean-François Leroy, the founder of the prestigious international photojournalism festival Visa pour l'Image, passed away at the age of 69 on Monday due to cancer. The 38th edition of the annual event was underway in Perpignan, southern France, at the time of his death. Visa pour l'Image, Perpignan's leadership, as well as Leroy's family, expressed their profound sorrow over the loss of the festival's founder and director, conveyed through their Instagram account.

The organization highlighted Leroy's commitment to promoting and showcasing the work of photojournalists from across the globe. For the first time since its inception 38 years ago, the renowned photographer was notably absent from the festival's opening ceremony on Saturday, which took place despite his health struggles. Managing Director Delphine Lelu informed AFP that Leroy actively participated in all aspects of the festival's preparation, from start to finish, even while battling illness.