The Kalash people are a non-Muslim minority tribe of around 3,500 members living in Northwestern Pakistan. They live in three valleys surrounded by the majestic Hindu Kutch mountains and a mere 20 km from the Afghan border. For years, they were quite isolated from the rest of the world, which helps explain how the culture has survived this long. Completing an 11 km tunnel through the Kutch mountains has changed this dynamic. The Kalasha, being surrounded by conservative Muslim populations in Pakistan and Afghanistan, face both economic pressures and attempts to convert to Islam.
France Leclerc, born in Quebec, Canada, is an independent photographer who currently lives in Chicago. Her early career was in academia, but she decided to make a change to pursue her true passion for photography. The most prominent themes of her work are culture (especially disappearing ones), gender, and social inequality. She likes to describe her work as “life photography”, though her approach is a mix between documentary and street photography.
Awards 2023 LensCulture Photography Festival, Third Place
2022 Miami Street Photography Festival, Third Place
2021 PX3 Gold Medal Street Photography Category
2021 PX3 Bronze Medal Press Category
2021 PX3 State of the World, Shortlisted
2021 Portrait of Humanity, Finalist
2021 IPA Award People and Lifestyle, Honorable Mention
2021 Siena International Photo Award, Journeys, and Adventure, Honorable Mention
