George Philipas

About

On completion of a postgraduate diploma in Photojournalism in 2001 (including a comprehensive writing component under the esteemed tutelage of Sue Dawson), I have lived and worked from the African Continent since 2004, first in Nairobi and currently in Cape Town. I have deep and varied international journalistic experience that extends to various mediums in the industry, including feature writing, documentary-making and photojournalism. I have developed an expansive range of contacts throughout the Continent covering the entire socio-economic and political spectrum.I currently focus on writing and have written features that vary from in-depth economic analysis for Business Day (South Africa) to socio-political commentary for New Internationalist Magazine (UK) and Geographical Magazine (UK).Published photographic work includes work for the New York Times, Independent (UK), Observer (UK), Guardian, Grazia, Essence Magazine (US), L’Express (France), La Presse (Canada) among others worldwide.I have undertaken a variety of commissioned assignments from in-depth economic analysis for Business Day, South Africa to socio-political commentary for New Internationalist Magazine (UK) and Geographical Magazine (UK).I have worked as a Reuters stinger in Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan as a photographer. I was the only foreign journalist to access front line conflict in both Kenya and South Sudan and both sets of work received a lot of international attention. Video footage shot in South Sudan was shown on most 24-hour news channel including but not exclusive to CNN, BBC and Al-Jareeza.I directed and produced a short 25 minute documentary 'On the Frontline: South Africa's Child Abuse Crisis.'I have received an Honourable Mention at the Prix de la Photographie Awards (2009) for photographs taken during the Kenyan Election Upheaval (2008) and Merit Awards (Bronze) at the International Aperture Awards (2010) in recognition of Excellence in Photojournalism for work undertaken during the FIFA World Cup 2010 and in conjunction with UN-OCHA Somalia.Commissioned assignments included extensive work for a wide range of UN agencies (UNAIDS, UN-WHO, UN-WFP and UN OCHA-Somalia amongst others) and non-profit organisations (such as the Clinton Foundation and Save the Children). Specialties: Child Portraiture, News Spot/Editorial Photography, Fashion and Commercial Photography.Video production and editing.Languages: French, Spanish, Greek, Swahili Afrikaans.Extensive 4x4 off-road experienceAdvanced Wilderness Medical Training.