Photographer Chantal Pinzi has been recognized at the World Press Photo Contest 2026 for her documentary series titled Farīsāt: Filles de la Poudre, which focuses on women participating in Morocco's traditional equestrian art of Tbourida. The series shines a light on female riders who are challenging longstanding gender norms within a discipline historically dominated by men.
Tbourida, also known as Fantasia, is a traditional Moroccan equestrian performance in which riders dressed in traditional attire charge in a line and fire muskets simultaneously. The practice was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021, underscoring its deep cultural significance to Morocco and the broader Maghreb region.
Pinzi's award-winning work documents the growing presence of women in Tbourida, capturing their training, camaraderie, and performances. The series highlights a cultural shift within Moroccan society, as women increasingly claim space in traditions that were previously closed to them.
The World Press Photo Contest is one of the most prestigious international competitions in photojournalism, attracting thousands of entries from photographers around the world each year. Recognition at this level brings significant international visibility to the subjects portrayed, in this case amplifying awareness of Morocco's living heritage and the women working to reshape it.
