"Venezuela: Portraits of the 21st Century"

Introduction:
"Venezuela: Portraits of the 21st Century" is a documentary photographic
series aiming to explore the diversity, complexity, and resilience of
Venezuelan society in the 21st century through the lens of a documentary
photographer. Inspired by the legendary work of August Sander in "People
of the 20th Century," this documentary photographic series sets out to
capture the essence of Venezuelan life at a crucial moment in its history,
addressing the humanity that resides in every individual, regardless of
their political, economic, or social context.

Synopsis:
In a country marked by political, economic, and social challenges,
"Venezuela: Portraits of the 21st Century" delves into the everyday life of
people from all social strata, ages, and occupations. Through sincere and
authentic portraits, the documentary aims to transcend media and
political narratives to discover the true essence of Venezuelans.

Focus:
The documentary's focus is on ordinary people, their dreams, struggles,
hopes, and resilience. Following in the spirit of August Sander, each
portrait becomes a testimony to the individuality and humanity of the
subjects. The goal is not to judge or politicize but rather to understand and
empathize with the diversity of experiences that shape life in Venezuela in
this century.

Structure:
The documentary photographic series will be organized into thematic
chapters that address various aspects of Venezuelan society, from urban
life to everyday routines in rural areas, from youth to old age, from art to
industry. Each chapter will be based on the portraits and personal stories
of the subjects, allowing their voices and experiences to define the
narrative.

Visual Narrative:
The visual narrative of the documentary series will be characterized by
carefully composed portraits that seek to capture the essence of the
subjects in their natural environment. Light, color, and composition will be
used to highlight the personality and history of each individual. In addition
to portraits, shots of everyday life, landscapes, and significant moments
will enrich the visual experience.

Message:
Throughout this documentary photographic series, a message of respect,
solidarity, and understanding towards Venezuelans and their experiences
will be conveyed. The aim is to show that behind the statistics and
adversarial political narratives, there are real lives, people with dreams
and desires, and a shared humanity that unites all human beings.

Results Evaluation:
To assess the reach of "Venezuela: Portraits of the 21st Century," it is
possible to organize itinerant exhibitions in open spaces in some of the
communities where the photographic shots are taken, with open
participation from the public and attendance measurement.

Communication Strategy:
If granted by Fujifilm, a social media campaign will be implemented to
present and promote not only the documentary photographic series
"Venezuela: Portraits of the 21st Century," with its goals and objectives but
also to boost the Fujifilm brand, showcasing the innovative features of the
new and powerful GFX camera bodies and the GF lens range in the
Venezuelan photography market.
Fujifilm Partnership:
During the mentoring program, we anticipate receiving support from an
experienced mentor who will help enhance our photographic skills and
achieve new and greater professional projects. If given the opportunity to
select a mentor, it should be someone truly inspirational, with whom we
feel comfortable and whose opinion is highly valued and respected. We
base the Fujifilm mentoring opportunity on the following premises:
a) Proactivity. No need to wait for our mentor to tell us what to do; we
take the initiative for professional development.
b) Fujifilm Community. Leveraging the multitude of resources available to
photographers through this prestigious brand, such as forums, online
groups, and events.
c) Feedback. Actively participating in Fujifilm workshops and events.
d) Equipment and Software. Fujifilm offers resources that can assist us in
developing new professional projects.
e) Fujifilm Website. The official page includes a section dedicated to the
Grant Award. This section provides information about available resources
and tips for making the most of them.
f) Fujifilm Forum. As a firsthand meeting point to connect with other Grant
Award winners, allowing us to share ideas and tips.
g) Be open to criticism. Your mentor will provide honest feedback on your
work. Be receptive to criticism and use it to improve your skills.

Conclusions:
"Venezuela: Portraits of the 21st Century" aspires to create an authentic
and moving portrait of Venezuelan society at a complex historical moment.
By following August Sander's legacy, the documentary photographic series
becomes a visual testament to the diversity and richness of the human
experience in 21st century Venezuela. Through portraits and stories of
Venezuelans, it aims to provoke deep reflection on the human condition
and promote empathy and understanding in an increasingly
interconnected world.
Work Schedule from December 15, 2023, to May 15, 2024, Project
Delivery:

Preparation Phase (December 2023 - January 2024):

1. Objective and Concept Definition (December): Establish the vision,
themes, and specific goals of the photography project.
2. Research and Story Selection (December - January): Identify and
connect with potential subjects for the photographic portraits.
Research stories and backgrounds.
3. Team and Resources (January): Recruit photographers and
production team. Ensure the necessary technical and financial
resources.
4. Logistical Preparation (January): Plan the logistics of travel,
accommodation, and necessary permits for the photography
sessions.
Production Phase (February - March 2024):
5. Photography Sessions (February - March): Conduct photographic
portrait sessions with subjects in different regions of Venezuela.
6. Capture Additional Material (February - March): Take shots of daily
life, landscapes, and relevant contexts for the project.
Post-Production Phase (April 2024):
7. Selection of Photographs (April): Review and select the best
photographs for inclusion in the project.
8. Editing and Retouching (April): Process and retouch the selected
photographs to achieve the desired aesthetic.
9. Final Project Delivery (May 15, 2024): Complete the project and
present the final photographs.

This schedule is aligned with the final project delivery date of June 1, 2024,
focusing on the production and editing of photographs. Efficient
coordination and artistic quality in photography and subsequent editing
are essential for adhering to the schedule and the success of the project.
Budget:
1. Travel Insurance: 600 euros will be allocated to cover travel insurance
costs for the photographers.
2. Accommodation: 2,000 euros will be assigned to cover accommodation
expenses during the project in Venezuela.
3. Airfare: 1,200 euros will be earmarked to cover the round-trip airfare
cost for Jean Paul Zanella from Spain to Venezuela and back.
4. Food: 2,000 euros in total will be allocated for the team's food expenses
during the 6-month project.
5. Transport: 3,000 euros in total will be assigned for both land and air
transportation within the territory of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
6. Contingency Expenses: 1,200 euros will be reserved as funds for
unforeseen expenses that may arise during the project.

This allocation of funds ensures the coverage of essential expenses, such

as photographers' fees, travel insurance, airfare for Jean Paul Zanella,
accommodation, and food costs, while reserving an amount for possible
contingencies. Efficient management of these resources remains crucial for
the success and efficiency of the project with three photographers
involved.

Authors:
Jean Paul Zanella - Photographer.
Geczain Tovar Andueza - Photographer.
Edgar Méndez - Photographer.