26.09.25
28.09.25
Festival of narrative and documentary photography
Submissions are open!
Vilnius Photo Circle is a local festival with global reach. Over the past 17 years, the festival's lineup has included photographers such as Espen Rasmussen, Evgeniy Maloletka, Mads Nissen, and Patrick Wack. Drawing inspiration from Lithuania’s rich tradition of humanist photography, the festival is dedicated exclusively to long-form storytelling – photo essays, documentary series, and long-term projects.
The festival takes place from September 26 to 28, showcasing the work of both established and emerging photographers from around the world.
The main events will be held at the Energy and Technology Museum, located in the heart of Vilnius.
ABOUT
The 18th edition of Vilnius Photo Circle welcomes visitors and participants with a new creative team, a new venue, and a redesigned programme featuring 3 competitions. This year’s festival theme, “Intersections”, sparks dialogue on geopolitical shifts, cultural and historical crossroads.
SUBMISSIONS
Open 02.05—08.06.25
Vilnius Photo Circle invites photographers to submit their work across three categories, with prizes provided by our trusted partner, Fujifilm Lietuva. Participation in the competition is free of charge and open to both Lithuanian and international photographers. An international jury will select the finalist works to be exhibited at The Energy and Technology Museum and published in a printed Vilnius Photo Circle magazine.
HIGHLIGHT AWARD
Open to photographers under 30 years of age, this category invites submissions of photo stories, essays, and projects on an open theme. The award encourages a unique and unconventional approach to storytelling and subject matter.
VILNIUS PHOTO CIRCLE AWARD
Dedicated to this year’s festival theme, “Intersections”, this category invites submissions of photo projects that explore geopolitical, cultural, and ideological crossroads.
LIETUVA
This category is dedicated to photo projects that tell stories about Lithuania – its contemporary issues, history, and diaspora. It invites submissions from photographers of any nationality and age.
Winners of each category will be invited to attend the Vilnius Photo Circle festival, with travel and accommodation expenses covered by the organizers.
Finalists’ works will be published in the Vilnius Photo Circle magazine and showcased in the festival exhibition and on social media.
LOCATION
The Energy and Technology Museum, once a power plant, is now a vibrant event space that blends industrial heritage with modern creativity. The venue features exhibition halls, conference rooms, and a rooftop terrace overlooking Vilnius' Old Town.