KOROR (Palau Horizon) — Palau will host the first international underwater photo festival from May 24 to 30. The event is open to professional and amateur photographers.
Mark Orrukem, Palau Visitors Authority marketing and research manager, said at least 45 divers from other countries had already confirmed participation.
At stake is $10,000 in cash prizes, special packages and dive gifts for the advanced category.
For the beginner’s category, Orrukem said cash prizes and special packages are also offered.
The festival has a separate category for female novice photographers.
Orrukem said judges for the festival are world-renowned underwater photographers who will fly to Palau to select the winners for the different categories.
The judges invited by PVA 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.
Registration fee is $75, which covers welcome and farewell dinners, six rolls of film and an underwater camera.
Prizes will be sponsored by Palau Shell, Budweiser, Bank of Hawaii, Pacific Savings Bank, Midcorp, Surangel & Sons, Continental Micronesia, Palau Pacific Resort and Palau dive operators.
