FRANCESCO GENTILE
Hidden Calabria

Calabria has always been a hidden region, not very visible and accessible due to the morphological conformation of the territory, accentuated by the lack of interest from institutions in constructing infrastructures that would facilitate access. In recent years, efforts have been made to promote tourism in Calabria by emphasizing its culinary delights and natural beauty, overlooking the region's true essence. But Calabria is not like this. It's not even what is reported in the news where the Ndrangheta reigns supreme. In this long-term photographic project, I aim to document and shed light on a reality that is slowly fading away due to globalization, economic crises, rapid depopulation of inland villages, and globalization. I strive to amplify the voices of all Calabrians who are working to sustain towns with only 300 inhabitants and preserve traditions, such as the practice of pig slaughter, which are under threat due to new legislation.

Author
I was born on October 20, 1988, in Crotone, Italy. After graduating as a surveyor, I discovered photography. At first, I was self-taught, and then I enrolled in basic photography courses at the Gruppo Fotoamatori Crotone. After attending workshops with internationally recognized authors such as Valerio Bispuri, Francesco Cito, and Jérôme Sessini, I developed a strong interest in documentary photography.

Website
https://www.gentilefrancesco.it

Instagram
@gentile.photo

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