FUJIFILM Corporation has announced the launch of the GFX Challenge Grant Program 2025, a global initiative designed to support and nurture aspiring creatives in bringing their imaging projects to life. South African creatives are strongly encouraged to apply, following the success of Cape Town-based Jodi Windvogel, a Global Grant recipient of the Fujifilm GFX Challenge in 2023.
The GFX Challenge Grant Program is intended to nurture and develop the skills of emerging/promising creators, giving them the opportunity to create content on topics that have significant meaning to them, while gaining experience using FUJIFILM GFX System large format gear.
What’s on offer
Creatives have the chance to receive a US$10 000 Global Grant Award or a US$5 000 Regional Grant Award, helping to transform their creative ideas into reality. Winners also receive access to a Fujifilm GFX System camera body and two GF lenses for the duration of their project, as well as mentoring and technical assistance from Fujifilm technicians and product experts. In total there are five Global Grant Awards available, with 10 Regional Grant Awards in place.
The GFX Challenge Grant Program 2025 is open to amateur and professional photographers and videographers who are residents of South Africa, with the submission period closing on 31 August 2025. The award recipients will be announced in January 2026, with the final projects to be exhibited in various countries as well as on the fujifilm-x.com website.
Photographers and videographers looking to enter can find more information on the GFX Challenge Grant Program 2025 website. The site includes further details regarding the application process, how to prepare a project proposal, the selection criteria and the judges involved in the final round.
African winners
In 2023 local photographer, Jodi Windvogel, was announced as a Global Grant recipient for her project “The Body at Risk”. The project was a harrowing look at the landscapes in South Africa where incidents of gender-based violence took place. Last year, Kahli Brown, a photographer from Nigeria, was awarded a Regional Grant for his work titled, “Plastic Possibilities”, which focussed on documenting sustainable solutions to plastic waste in his home country.
Commenting on her GFX Challenge grant, Windvogel notes, “Receiving the Global Grant was truly life-changing. I had been developing the concept for my project for over three years, so being selected affirmed not only the importance of the work itself but also that the experiences of those affected by gender-based violence were being acknowledged and taken seriously on a global platform. It meant the world to know that this story mattered beyond borders.”
Asked about advice for those looking to enter, Windvogel states, “Start with a strong concept that is close to your heart – one that is well-researched, timely and meaningful. Ask yourself: why this story, why now and why you? Let your proposal reflect your commitment and the urgency of the narrative. The panel is not just looking for beautiful images; they’re looking for work that moves, educates and sparks dialogue. Be honest, passionate and prepared to immerse yourself in the process.”
Winners of the grants will have access to a Fujifilm GFX System body, as well as two GF lenses. Fujifilm’s GFX System offers the world’s highest level of image quality in mirrorless digital camera systems. GFX cameras include a sensor that is approximately 1.7 times the size of full frame sensors. Combined with Fujinon GF lenses, the GFX system can achieve extremely high resolution and rich tonality which professional photographers expect.
Photographers and videographers looking to enter the GFX Challenge Grant Program 2025 are able to do so until 31 August 2025. All details needed are available at the GFX Challenge Grant Program website: https://www.fujifilm-x.com/global/special/gfx-challenge-program/2025
