Award for Federico Rios Escobar

Ten images from his series ‘The Darién Gap’ have earned Federico Rios Escobar the title of 2023 Photographer of the Year in Latin America, making him the winner of one of the most prestigious competitions for documentary and artistic photography in this region. The Colombian documentary photographer also won in two other categories: his photo essay ‘Open Veins of Latin America’ was awarded first place in the Photojournalist of the Year category, while his monograph ‘Verde’ was chosen as Photo Book of the Year.

“This recognition is a sign of trust that also comes with a certain responsibility, in that you consider very carefully which topics capture your interest, how you invest your time as a photographer, and what you are giving to society and the profession,” the photojournalist explains.

The Darién Gap in Panama is one of the most dangerous refugee routes. For his reportage, Federico Rios Escobar accompanied a group of people for 25 days as they made their way from Colombia to Panama.

The award-winning reportage is featured in the current issue of LFI Magazine.