THE CHARCOAL BURNER'S OF SERRA SAN BRUNO

• Prize
  Silver in Press/People/Personality
• Photographer
  chiara felmini, Italy
• Date of Photograph
  June 2026
• Website
  https://chiarafelmini.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram
  https://www.instagram.com/chiarafelmini/

The charcoal burners of Serra San Bruno are the last custodians of an ancient, millennia-old art of artisanal charcoal production, primarily from holm oak, using Phoenician techniques passed down from generation to generation in the heart of the Serre Park in Calabria. This laborious yet distinctive craft resists automation, creating a highly sought-after charcoal of the highest quality. They work in small family teams, building and supervising the "scarazzi" (charcoal kilns) for about 20 days, a labor that requires sacrifice but represents a model of a slow and sustainable economy.

Born in Turin in 1965, photographer since the age of 8, when I received my first camera as a gift (which I still own).
Animals have been part of my life, professional and otherwise, for over 30 years and photographing them has been an absolutely natural journey. Only later did my love for travel lead me to discover the passion for documentary and reportage photography. Photographer to tell stories, for an aesthetic and emotional research; the constant search for light, color, the moment but above all the interaction with the people I meet gives me a great boost for sharing .

Awards Many satisfactions have come from publications in sector magazines (Oasis, Photo Professional, National Geographic Italia) and from participation with good results in National and International Competitions (Oasis Photo Contest, National Geographic, Travel Photography of the Year, IPA).
I exhibited my works in Turin, Reggio Emilia, Tortona and Piobesi Torinese, as well as at the prestigious Festival of Ethical Photography in Lodi.