Face Photo News - Contemporary Photography Festival
The contemporary photography festival of Sassoferrato
About Face Photo News
A photography festival in the village of Sassoferrato
Every spring, the village of Sassoferrato, in the province of Ancona, in the Marche region, becomes the capital of regional contemporary photography for a weekend. Face Photo News is the festival that for over fifteen years has drawn photographers, critics, enthusiasts, and the simply curious to the Apennine municipality, transforming the spaces of the MAM'S - Contemporary Art Gallery, housed in the evocative Palazzo degli Scalzi in Piazza Gramsci, into a widespread laboratory of images and ideas.
Portfolio review: the heart of the event
The central moment of the event is the portfolio review, known as Portfolio dello Strega: photographers present their works to a panel of expert reviewers, receiving direct, critical, and constructive feedback. It is a rare opportunity for growth, dialogue, and visibility, far from the logic of large commercial events. The review is in effect a stop on the national Portfolio Italia circuit, promoted by FIAF (Italian Federation of Photographic Associations), and the most convincing works are awarded and selected for exhibition.
Exhibitions, screenings, and meetings
In addition to the reviews, the program includes photographic exhibitions, screenings, round tables, and presentations by authors and projects. The exhibition of selected works often continues for several weeks after the opening weekend, intertwining with the other cultural offerings of the village, first and foremost the historic International Art Exhibition Premio G.B. Salvi.
An event rooted in the territory
Organized by the Circolo Fotografico Arti Visive of Fabriano with the support of the Municipality of Sassoferrato and the Marche Region, Face Photo News stands out for its attention to content and for the welcoming and friendly atmosphere that has always characterized it. It is an event designed for those who want to look at photography up close, in an intimate setting that values both the images and the people who create them.
- Portfolio reviews with critics and reviewers from the Portfolio Italia FIAF circuit
- Exhibitions and displays of contemporary photography
- Screenings, round tables, and author presentations
- Award ceremony for the best portfolios
Face Photo News — edition 2026
Face Photo News XVII (2026)
The seventeenth edition of Face Photo News was held in Sassoferrato on May 30 and 31, 2026, confirming the formula that has made the festival famous: portfolio review, exhibitions, screenings, round tables, and author presentations. The event, organized by the Circolo Fotografico Arti Visive of Fabriano, is a stop on the national Portfolio Italia circuit of the FIAF.
For this edition, photographers could present their works on three themes: free theme, Chaos, and Agrosphere. The portfolio reviews took place in the rooms of MAM'S - Palazzo degli Scalzi, with a panel of expert reviewers chaired by Massimo Mazzoli.
Programme Face Photo News 2026
Saturday, May 30
- 9:20 AM - 12:40 PM — Portfolio reviews
- 3:00 PM - 5:20 PM — Portfolio reviews
Sunday, May 31
- 9:00 AM - 12:20 PM — Portfolio reviews
- 5:00 PM — Award ceremony in the presence of the full jury
Proposed themes: free theme, Chaos, Agrosphere. Each author presents one work for each reviewer, with no limit on the number of images. The exhibitions of the selected works remained open for viewing in the weeks following the opening weekend.
Reviewers and jury: Andrea Angelini, Susanna Bertoni, Silvano Bicocchi, Renza Grossi, Stefania Lasagni, Massimo Mazzoli (jury president), and Isabella Tholozan.
Highlights Face Photo News 2026
Three themes in competition (free theme, Chaos, Agrosphere), jury chaired by Massimo Mazzoli, and award ceremony on Sunday, May 31 at 5:00 PM. The winning works will be exhibited the following year as part of the Rassegna Internazionale d'Arte Premio G.B. Salvi.
Prices Face Photo News 2026
Practical information — Face Photo News
Where
MAM'S - Contemporary Art Gallery, Palazzo degli Scalzi, Piazza Gramsci 1, Sassoferrato (AN), Marche.
How to get there
By car: from the SS76 della Val d'Esino, exit for Sassoferrato; the village is also reachable from the Fabriano hinterland. The most convenient train station is Fabriano, on the Rome-Ancona line, from which you can continue by car or by bus connections.
Participation
Portfolio review is free for FIAF members and costs €10 for non-members. Registration via the dedicated page on marchefotografia.it. Exhibitions and meetings are free admission.
Contacts
Email: [email protected] - Tel: +39 389 8775848. Updates on the program and times on the official Facebook and Instagram social media channels.
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Where does it take place — Face Photo News
MAM'S - Palazzo degli Scalzi
Piazza Gramsci 1, 60041 Sassoferrato