Special Mention Student Award 2025 | Julius Nieweler (eng)

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Special Mention Student Award 2025Julius Nieweler
Whispers say: ``War is Coming``

The Republic of Moldova finds itself caught between European integration and Russian influence. While part of the population supports closer ties with the EU, another segment leans toward Russia. These tensions are reflected not only in political decisions but also in daily life.
During the presidential elections and the constitutional referendum in October 2024, a slim majority voted in favor of European Union alignment. The population is deeply divided: some place their hopes on economic stability and reforms through the EU, while others fear the loss of cultural identity and the possibility of a war between the West and Russia.
This project offers a glimpse into the societal mood during the election weeks in Moldova, with a particular focus on Russia’s influence.

Copyright: © Julius Nieweler

The Jury's Motivation

In Whispers say: “War is Coming”, Julius Nieweler offers a quietly powerful reflection on a country suspended between competing geopolitical forces. Through a restrained and observational approach, the photographer captures the emotional undertow of a divided Moldova—where hopes for European integration coexist with fears of cultural erosion and looming conflict. The project is marked by clarity of vision, strong narrative potential, and a quiet intensity that resonates throughout the work.

Julius Nieweler is a German photographer whose documentary work primarily focuses on themes of identity, with a particular emphasis on the geographical region of the former Soviet Union. In addition to his personal projects, he works on assignments.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography from Hannover, Germany. His professional experience includes an editorial internship in the political department of Focus magazine in Berlin, and a role as a freelance news and sports photojournalist for the agency Fotostand since 2023. Julius also worked as a photographer and picture editor during an internship at the Press Office of the German Football Association (DFB) in Frankfurt.

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