The festival mourns the loss of Jean-François Leroy, the founder and longtime director, whose vision turned Visa pour l'image into a global beacon for photojournalists in Perpignan.

Leroy was central to establishing and leading the festival, and he remained deeply involved in shaping the 38th edition despite his illness.

His family announced his death on Monday, August 31, 2026, after a battle with cancer spanning several months.

Observers note that his passing marks the loss of a key figure associated with the traditional ethos and ethics of 20th-century photojournalism.

The 2026 festival runs from late August to mid-September, continuing Leroy’s legacy and its role as a premier gathering for photographers.

Leroy, born in Paris in 1956, founded Visa pour l'image in 1989 and led it for decades, shaping its mission and reach.

In 2005, he was honored as Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite for transforming Visa pour l’image into a landmark cultural and media event.

Under his leadership, the festival supported photographers through substantial prize funding during funding shortages in the press, helping navigate industry challenges.

The festival publicly announced his death, underscoring his global impact on photojournalism and the community he built.

Le Figaro Magazine’s long-standing partnership with the festival highlighted Leroy’s influence and the event’s prestige during his tenure.

Leroy helped grow attendance, turning the event into a major annual gathering with hundreds of thousands of visitors amid industry upheaval.

Although he was absent from the opening due to illness, he remained involved in planning, and his final editorial commented on contemporary issues in image integrity.