TOULOUSE, Sept 1 — Jean-Francois Leroy, the founder of the photojournalism festival Visa pour l’Image, died today aged 69.

Leroy died of cancer in the midst of the 38th edition of the global event, which takes place every year in the southern French city of Perpignan.

“The entire Visa pour l’Image - Perpignan team and all of Jean-Francois Leroy’s family are deeply saddened to announce the death, on the morning of Monday, August 31, of the founder and historic director of the international photojournalism festival,” the festival wrote on its Instagram account.

“He supported and brought to light photojournalists from all over the world,” it said.

For the first time in 38 years, the former photographer was absent from Saturday’s opening of the world’s only festival dedicated to press photography, which each year showcases the work of leading photojournalists.

Despite his illness, he took part “from A to Z in the preparation” of this year’s edition, said Delphine Lelu, the managing director, speaking to AFP. — AFP