Eighteen selected schools from overseas and 3 selected schools in Japan are participating in the 'Photo Festival Exchange'.
Three students from Canberra High School are participating to represent Australia; Bangladeshi expatriate Raisa Faria Hia, Jasleen Malhotra and Ji Yun Baek.
Raisa and her team left for Japan on Wednesday from Canberra. Jasleen's mother Aman Malhotra is also with them as they are under 18.
Raisa Faria Hia (R), Ji Yun Baek (M) and Jasleen Malhotra (L). Source: SBS Bangla
"It feels so much better to represent Australia," said Raisa.
"We will try our best to do something good."
Pamphlet of the festival. Source: Supplied
Raisa is a Year 9 student at Canberra High School. Her mother Alpha Arzu was a professional journalist in Bangladesh, where she worked for the Independent, New Age and Daily Star newspaper.
However, until now, Raisa says she never had the desire to be a journalist.
"This festival may change my mind. Now, I am planning to study Photography," says Raisa.
According to the organisers "the town started organizing a festival for young photographers to encourage high school students to develop friendships through photography."
Raisa Faria Hia (R) with her mother Alpha Arzu (L). Source: SBS Bangla
"This festival is expected to promote tourism and international exchange."
During the festival, there are 3 days of photo sessions. Each team of 3 students is required to take photos referring to the assigned theme, place and time of the day.
Participants will compete in five award categories; a special award is selected by an online vote.
The 'International High School Students Photo Festival Exchange' will end on 8 August. It's the fourth time the festival has been held.
Online voting guideline. Source: Collected
After a week long festival Raisa and her team will return to Canberra on 9 August.
