Jean-François Leroy, founder and longstanding director of the Visa pour l’Image international photojournalism festival, died on the morning of Monday 31 August 2026 at the age of 69 after battling cancer, as the festival’s 38th edition was taking place in the southern French city of Perpignan.
The festival team and Leroy’s family announced his death in a statement published on the event’s official platform, highlighting his role in supporting photojournalists from around the world and showcasing their work.
First absence from festival opening
Leroy missed the opening of the current edition for the first time since the festival was founded. The 38th edition of Visa pour l’Image is being held from 29 August to 13 September 2026. Press reports said he helped prepare for it despite his illness, before his health prevented him from attending its events in Perpignan.
An international photojournalism gathering
Leroy founded the festival in 1989 with the support of Roger Thérond, the former editor-in-chief of Paris Match, turning it into an international gathering for photojournalism.
Successive editions of the festival focused on images of conflicts, disasters, political change and daily life, while also honouring photographers working in dangerous areas.
Condolences from the French presidency
The French presidency paid tribute to Leroy, describing his role as a sustained defence of photojournalism and documented facts. The French president and his wife also offered their condolences to his family, the festival team and the photographers he worked with. The presidency said his illness prevented him from attending the current edition during its professional week.
