Latin America Professional Award 2025 Shortlist

On 5 October 1988, Brazil recognised the rights of Indigenous peoples to their ancestral lands. However, the photographer notes that ‘a significant debt remains unresolved, leaving Indigenous communities still fighting for justice.’ Every April, more than 4,000 Indigenous people from across Brazil take over the nation’s capital to ensure their presence is felt and their voices are heard, reminding the government of its unfulfilled promises. The photographer explains, ‘these people transform Brasília into a tapestry of cultures, worldviews and stories that come from a shared struggle.’ While some progress has been made in recent years – Brazil has officially recognised 13 Indigenous territories since 2023 – more than 200 territories remain in limbo, awaiting formal recognition. For many communities the wait has spanned generations, with the demarcation process often taking more than 30 years to complete.

Pablo Albarenga is a documentary photographer and visual storyteller based in São Paulo, Brazil. His work focuses on social and environmental justice and climate change. Albarenga is a National Geographic Explorer, has been a multiple beneficiary of the Pulitzer Center, and was selected in 2020 as the Photographer Of The Year by the Sony World Photography Awards. His work has been featured worldwide in publications like National Geographic, The Washington Post Magazine, and others