«I wanted to report on the refugee crisis in a more humane way than others»

The «Swiss Press Photo» exhibition is now on view at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich. At the opening, Zalmaï Ahad, who was recently named Swiss Press Photographer of the Year, will answer questions about his work and what he hopes to achieve with his award-winning photographs.

Editorial - May 13, 2017

Werbewoche: Not only are you this year’s winner of the Swiss Press Photo Award in the International category, but you’ve also been named Swiss Press Photographer of the Year. What does this award mean to you?

Zalmaï Sunday: This award means a great deal to me because it brings visibility to my work. It’s so important to talk about the refugee crisis in a different way than we have in the past. I’m also a freelance photographer. I prefer to pitch my work rather than wait for assignments. This award helps me maintain my independence.

In your opinion, what has been the biggest mistake in the coverage of the refugee crisis so far?

Most of the time, we talk about numbers: 300,000 people, 500,000 people, 1 million people. Most TV stations and photographers show very long lines of people arriving, creating the impression of an invasion. But this is a crisis we can handle. After all, at a soccer stadium, we’re perfectly capable of transporting several thousand people and providing them with food. But in this current situation, many were only concerned with portraying their arrival as a disaster. Through my work, I want to show that refugees are families, children, and grandparents. Real people who aren’t just looking to start a better life somewhere else. Whether rich or poor, people don’t leave their homes on a whim. Their lives are in danger—that’s why they’re leaving their homes and seeking protection. That’s what I’m trying to convey to people through my photos.

How did you approach the photo series for which you have now been honored?

When the refugee crisis began, it was immediately clear to me that I would address the issue, because I was one of them myself. When I was 17 years old, I fled Afghanistan. My goal was to report on the crisis in a more humane way than other media professionals. Through my photos, I try to tell the refugees’ stories and show that the only thing these people need is protection. They aren’t coming for free food. No, they need protection, and if we give them that protection, they will give us everything in return—I’m convinced of that.

The Reinhardt von Graffenried Foundation presented the Swiss Press Photo Award in six categories back in March and, at the end of April, named Zalmaï Ahad—the winner in the International category—Swiss Press Photographer of the Year 2017. On May 10, the opening reception was held for the Swiss Press Photo exhibition, which showcases the best press photographs from 2016 by Swiss photographers. For the first time, the Swiss National Museum is also simultaneously exhibiting award-winning photographs from its sister organization, World Press Photo. The latter will be on view through June 11, while the Swiss photographs will remain on display at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich through July 2, 2017.