Honorable Mention / 2024 / Press / Performing Arts

Sevgi, World Music From an Anti-Missile Shelter

The Azeri band 'Sevgi' is practicing World Music, inspired by the Caucasus, in an anti-missile shelter in the provincial town of Or Akiva, where I work and live. The musicians are well-known, having worked as professional musicians for many years. Nevertheless, they practice in a tiny shelter, develop local talent, and provide the small town with rich cultural and musical offerings. The director of the band invited me to hear them perform. I was moved and excited by their enthusiasm and excitement. Their music gave me an insight into a community and culture that I was unfamiliar with.

Hedva Rokach was born in Israel and resides in Or Akiva. Studied photography and painting at Beit Berel Academy and specializes in portrait photography and storytelling. She uses natural lighting and does not prepare her shots to tell the tale of people and their surroundings. Hedva showcased two solo exhibitions at Basis Art School and ‘Exhibition at the Crossroads’ as part of the 2023 Israeli protests. Participated also in a group exhibition at Georgia's Gori University. Released an international photo album ‘Tbilisi Dream’; many of her works were chosen for book covers. Photographer,writer.

Awards Honorable Mention in BIFA 2023 Photo Competition Editorial-sports (Professional)
Honorable Mention in TIFA 2023 Photo Competition Editorial-sports (Professional)