KOROR (Palau Horizon) — Everything is set for the first international underwater photo festival on May 24 to 30, with several professional and amateur underwater photographers expected to fly in to join the competition.
Even President Tommy Remengesau and First Lady Debbie Remengesau have confirmed participation in the festival as novice photographers.
Tova Bornovsky, festival committee member, said participants would be coming from Peru, Brazil, Japan, Austria, Guam and the Philippines.
Bornovsky added that the competition will allow Palau to be known around the world for its underwater beauty since several international media outfits will witness the event.
Judges for the festival are world-renowned underwater photographers who will be selecting winners for different categories.
The judges invited by the Palau Visitors Authority and the International Diving Expeditions are Dave Doubilet, Sammy Tanaka, James Watt, Paul Munzinger, Stuart and Michele Westmoreland, Al Hornsby, Tim Rock, Bruce Rasner and Barry Andrewartha.
Bornovsky said the festival will be a six-day event open to professional and novice photographers.
The professional category are for divers whose underwater photos have been published. Novice category involve participants who have not published any underwater shots.
Each category will have a special prize. There is a category for macro, wide-angle, special effects and artistic wreck shots.
At least 45 divers from other nations have already confirmed their participation in the festival.
At stake is $10,000 in cash prizes, special packages and dive gifts for the advanced category.
Winners for each category will receive cash prizes and special packages ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
A gala dinner will be held on May 30 where local dances will be featured to entertain the participants and tourists.
