Marina Akhmedova

Marina Akhmedova was selected for the 2021 European Press Prize shortlist with ‘Sisters of Europe.’

Marina Akhmedova is a journalist and author of eight books. Her work focuses on social and political themes. She is the laureate of the Social Thought Prize, and was selected twice for the Spark Prize, a top Russian prize in print journalism. Her book “Diary of a suicide bomber. Khadizha” was shortlisted for the Russian Booker Prize. Since 2014, she has covered the war in Donbass. She is a deputy chief editor of the magazine Russian Reporter. She also does social work protecting the rights of children, the poor and homeless animals.

Oksana Yushko

Oksana Yushko was selected for the 2021 European Press Prize shortlist with ‘Sisters of Europe.’

Oksana Yushko is a Moscow-based photographer and visual artist, currently focused on personal projects in Eastern Europe and the Baltic region. Her approach combines documentary studies, sociology, and anthropology. She works using photography, video and installations. Yushko’s work investigates the aftermath of conflicts and tragedies, the relationship between humans and nature, and focuses on topics of collective and private memory. Her work has been featured internationally, including at the Luma Foundation, the Open Society Foundation and the Moscow Museum of Modern Art. Yushko has received numerous awards including Luma Rencontres Dummy Book Award Arles 2017, Award of Excellence in NPPA Contest 2015, Prix Bayeux Calvados for web journalism 2014, BURN EPF Award 2013, and the Lens Culture Award 2011, among others.