Ala Eldin Abdalla Mohamed (Ala Kheir)

Ala Eldin Abdalla (Ala Kheir) is a Sudanese photographer, curator, educator, and filmmaker who was based in Sudan until the outbreak of the 2023 war. His work focuses on documenting the social and urban landscapes of Khartoum and his hometown, Nyala in South Darfur, offering deeply personal narratives about his immediate environment. Kheir’s photography not only captures the essence of Sudanese life but also contributes to the larger discourse on contemporary African visual storytelling, reflecting his commitment to both his craft and his community.

His work has been exhibited internationally at prestigious platforms such as African Art Fair Paris, PLP Aspire Art Auction in Johannesburg, Dak’Art Biennale, Addis Foto Fest, Africa Foto Fair, Venice Biennale, Jakarta Photo Festival, FOAM (Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam), and MoMA (Museum of Modern Art).

Beyond his photography, Kheir is actively involved in training and networking for photographers across Africa. He is a key figure in the Centers of Learning for Photography in Africa based in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he collaborates with other photography platforms to exchange ideas, develop teaching methodologies, and mentor emerging talents.

Kheir has also played a significant role in researching, archiving, restoring, and exhibiting Sudanese photographic history, working on the preservation of the works of Sudanese photographers like Elsharif and Abbas Habiballah.

Ala Kheir has served as a jury member and judge for numerous prestigious photography competitions, including: Contemporary African Photography Prize (CAP Prize) since 2017, World Press Photo Contest 2022, Chair of the Africa Jury for World Press Photo 2025, and more.

Currently, Kheir runs The Other Vision (TOV), a photography platform dedicated to education, training, and mentorship in Sudan. Through TOV, he has helped young Sudanese photographers build their skills and gain exposure, fostering connections between Sudanese artists and the wider African and international photography communities. His work through TOV also engages with the public, addressing social issues and advocating for change in Sudan through visual storytelling.