Limes is a narrative thread woven with stories, borders and endless crossings. On one side, it unravels lives in limbo, while on the other, it embraces the future and the dreams of thousands. This series represents years of dedicated documentation along migratory routes and the borders of fortress- countries. The story navigates the intricate path between research- driven narratives and those crafted for assignments. From the heart of the Mediterranean Sea to the Balkan routes, and through the journeys of Ukrainians escaping war or Venezuelans seeking refuge in Brazil, this work paints a vivid tapestry of human experiences amidst the challenging landscapes of migration. As Limes unfolds, it reveals the profound impact of borders on lives, inviting the audience to witness the resilience and strength of those seeking a new beginning.

Francesco Pistilli is an Italian documentary photographer, cinematographer and photography professor.

He is the recipient of the World Press Photo award 2018 (3rd Prize | General News Stories) for his series Lives in Limbo.

His editorial work has been published and distributed widely on several international magazines and media outlets including: TIME, National Geographic, Nature, Liberation, BBC, Le Monde, L’Espresso, Internazionale, Politico, Die Zeit, Wired, Elle, D, Vanity Fair, Financial Times. Francesco’s archive is actually distributed by Laif Agency.

He frequently works for NGOs and Foundations: Emergency, IRC International Rescue Committee, Open Society Foundations, AVSI Foundation, Care Intl., International Medical Corps.


He has worked in more than 20 countries around the world.