“Through Her Lens – Stories Beyond Borders” Inspires Visual Storytelling and Cultural Dialogue in Lalitpur
A captivating evening of visual narratives and cross-cultural dialogue unfolded at Bahadur Shah Baithak, Patan Durbar Square, as the photo talk show “Through Her Lens – Stories Beyond Borders” concluded successfully. The event drew a diverse audience of photographers, artists, students, cultural enthusiasts, and members of the creative community, all united by a shared passion for storytelling and the power of imagery.
The program spotlighted award-winning Italian documentary and travel photographer Valentina Brancaforte. Known for her evocative storytelling and immersive fieldwork across continents, Brancaforte shared her experiences navigating unfamiliar cultures and finding meaningful stories through her camera. She emphasized that photography is not just about visuals but about emotion, empathy, and the bonds formed with people along the journey.
During her presentation, she explored key themes including emotional storytelling beyond geographical and cultural boundaries, building trust and connection with subjects, the ethics involved in documentary work, and understanding identity through visual narratives. She also spoke about the personal growth that comes from discovering stories in unfamiliar places.
Audience members participated enthusiastically in a Q&A session, delving into topics such as creative inspiration, technical approaches, ethical dilemmas, and the responsibility of photographers to portray cultures with accuracy and respect. The conversation provided valuable insight for both emerging storytellers and established professionals.
The event contributed significantly to the growing visual arts community in Nepal, fostering an environment of inspiration, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Organizers expressed appreciation to attendees, partners, and supporters, noting that photography has the remarkable ability to bring people together through shared stories, shared visions, and shared humanity.
In a special announcement, it was revealed that Valentina Brancaforte will host a photography exhibition at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu from 3 to 5 November 2025. The upcoming exhibition is expected to further enrich Nepal’s artistic landscape and offer the public an intimate look into her powerful visual narratives.
With its thoughtful discussions and celebration of creative expression, “Through Her Lens – Stories Beyond Borders” marked a memorable milestone for visual storytelling in Nepal.
