By Jesus Vargas
Night Crossing — John Moore (Photo by John Moore / World Press Photo)
The World Press Photo 2025 exhibition opened Feb. 7 at the Bronx Documentary Center, bringing award-winning photojournalism from around the world directly to Bronx residents, students, and community members. Coming at a time when press freedom remains under threat, with more than 100 journalists killed worldwide in 2024, the show features work by 42 photographers from six global regions who document conflict, migration, climate change, inequality, and everyday life, underscoring the importance of independent visual journalism and storytelling.
Among the photographs on display is John Moore’s image of Chinese migrants huddled together after crossing the U.S.–Mexico border at night, illuminated by firelight against a dark mountainous backdrop.
Another featured photograph by Oliver Farshi captures a quiet, haunting view from a deathbed window in Washington state, part of a project exploring medical aid in dying. Also included is Musuk Nolte’s aerial image of drought-stricken riverbeds in the Amazon, revealing the dramatic environmental impact of climate change.
Shipwrecked in the Amazon — Musuk Nolte (Photo by Musuk Nolte / World Press Photo)
Michael Kamber, founder and creative director of the Bronx Documentary Center, said he created the space to reflect the diversity of the Bronx and give young people access to powerful storytelling.
“My family came to the Bronx as immigrants, and my neighbors were from all over the world,” Kamber said. “Photography changed my life, and I wanted to create a place where kids here could see their own experiences reflected and maybe find that same spark.”
Kamber said one of the biggest challenges has been sustaining funding for a nonprofit arts and education organization, but he believes the impact makes the work worthwhile.
Emmy Dexel, communications director for World Press Photo, said the exhibition creates space for dialogue across cultures.
“These photos go straight to your heart,” Dexel said. “They make people want to talk about what’s happening, see the world differently, and better understand each other. They also remind us of the courage of photographers who risk their lives to document reality.”
Photographer John Moore, whose border-crossing image is featured in the exhibit, said dignity and humanity guide his work.
“It’s important to photograph people, especially those in vulnerable situations, with dignity,” Moore said. “Exhibits like this help people understand that we’re more alike than different — we care about our families, safety, and opportunity.”
A Place to Die — Oliver Farshi (Photo by Oliver Farshi / World Press Photo)
Farshi said his project aims to help people confront death in a way that feels less frightening and more humane. He noted that Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation legalizing medical aid in dying in New York for terminally ill patients with six months or less to live. (New York State, 2025)
“A good death shouldn’t be a privilege,” Farshi said. “I hope this work helps people talk about death in a way that feels safe and honest.”
Kamber said the Bronx is a particularly meaningful place to host the exhibition because many residents come from regions represented in the photographs.
“When people see images from places that connect to their own histories or families, it sparks powerful conversations,” he said. “That’s what this space is about — connecting the Bronx to the world.”
The World Press Photo 2025 exhibition is free and open to the public at the Bronx Documentary Center, 364 E. 151st St., through March 15, 2026.