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OLIVIER FOLLMI

"I am deeply committed to humanity and to this desire to transmit what is beautiful and good in humanity."

OLIVIER FOLLMI

At the age of just 18, Olivier Föllmi obtained a scholarship to explore Afghanistan. This timeless adventure decided his fate: until 1986, the French/Swiss photographer explored the Himalayas on foot, in love with the mountains and its population. On this occasion, he discovered the Zanskar, a Tibetan valley in India that was to become his adopted home. It was also to become the point of contact with two children of Himalayan farmers whose schooling he would later fund. The photographic report of their shared story won an award at the World Press Photo in 1991. The following year, he founded the association HOPE (Humanity Organisation for People and Education) in service to education worldwide. Olivier Föllmi relates his expeditions in distant lands in illustrated books and, recently, in a film. He is regularly solicited by prestigious media such as National Geographic, Paris Match, Geo, and Life, and his photography has been exhibited all over the world. ... See more See less