WELCOME | Born in Film

A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER

When people talk about photography groups, they usually think about numbers or posts.

But for us, it’s always been deeper than that.

That’s why the return of World Photowalk 2026 feels important. It brings everything back to what really matters. Not just taking photos, but understanding why we create.

Shoot With Purpose reminds us that every frame has intent. Walk the Talk pushes us to actually go out, apply it, and experience it.

That’s what excites me. It’s not just a comeback. It’s a reset on how we see, create, and tell stories with meaning.

FRANZ LOPEZ

FOUNDER AND CEO,

BORN IN FILM ORGANIZATION INC.

From Process to Purpose

May 23-24, 2026 | Intramuros, Manila, Philippines

World Photowalk 2026 is positioned as more than an event. It represents a clear philosophy that photography should be practiced as a complete process, where learning, shooting, and shaping stories are equally important parts of the experience

What is World Photowalk?

A global photography movement
Rooted in storytelling and community
Now entering its next chapter

What to Expect?

A two-day immersive photography experience
Designed around the full creative process of photography
Set inside the historic walled city

The choice of Intramuros, the historic walled city, reflects Manila's colonial roots, with sites like Fort Santiago and Manila Cathedral linked to José Rizal. It is also believed that photography in Manila began here in the 19th century, making it a fitting origin for visual storytelling within the country's cultural center.

DAY 1: May 23

Day Photowalk

Participants will go through workshops followed by an afternoon photowalk, allowing them to apply what they learned in daylight conditions and build a strong foundation in storytelling and composition.

DAY 2: May 24

Night Photowalk

Participants will attend the same workshops but experience a different environment through a night photowalk, exploring golden hour, low light, and more dynamic storytelling scenarios.

Special Feature

The Manila International Photo Festival Pop-Up is a special showcase that brings together international, local, and renowned photographers in one space, highlighting diverse perspectives in visual storytelling. It serves as an introduction to a larger vision for the festival, featuring curated works alongside PhotoNation VR, our latest immersive technology that allows audiences to experience photography in a more interactive and forward-looking way.