Petra Sittig Photography - Vienna, Austria
Petra Sittig Photography - Photoshoots for Artists and Professionals
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The artist's voice -Podcast

The Artist's voice is a platform for artists to talk about and showcase their form of art. Inviting all artists to express their love for what they do and use this platform to give an insight into their world. All dancers, choreographers, teachers, musicians, singers, composers, creators of art; this is the place to show and tell.

The Artist’s voice

Inspired during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, my project was sparked by witnessing the struggles of my children, ballet dancers at the Vienna State Opera, unable to practice their craft due to isolation. Initially a small photography endeavor, capturing artists at their windows, it swiftly transformed into a symbol of solidarity for the arts community.

The repercussions of this pandemic will echo throughout the artistic and cultural sectors for years to come. Thus, I felt compelled to shed light on the plight of creative individuals and organizations, advocating for their recognition and support. Through this project, I aimed to amplify artists' voices, offering a platform for their stories and perspectives. If they can't grace the stage, they should still be seen and heard.

Vienna, a bastion of culture, served as a fitting backdrop for my efforts, with its rich artistic heritage and diverse community. I've photographed over 500 artists, including musicians, dancers, and opera stars, alongside ambassadors from various nations, all standing in solidarity with Vienna's artistic community.

The arts, often overlooked, are integral to society's fabric, shaping our collective identity and enriching our lives. They transcend language and borders, offering solace and inspiration in times of turmoil. By spotlighting Vienna's cultural legacy, I hope to instill a greater appreciation for the arts worldwide. Moreover, I've witnessed firsthand the resilience of artists in the face of adversity. Despite canceled performances and financial hardships, their unwavering passion for their craft fuels a newfound creativity. Their optimism is palpable, radiating hope through every photograph.

Through this project, I aim to educate future generations on the importance of the arts, advocating for its integration into education systems worldwide. By nurturing creativity and fostering appreciation for the arts, we can build a more empathetic and harmonious society.Ultimately, my goal is to spark dialogue and action, ensuring that the arts and artists are valued and supported in our modern world. Through interviews with artists globally, I seek to understand their experiences and explore solutions for securing the future of the arts.

In essence, this project is a testament to the resilience and vitality of the human spirit, as embodied by artists around the world. Their stories remind us of the transformative power of art and the boundless possibilities it offers for a brighter future."

 

The Making of Old Righteous Blues: Community, Choirs & Culture with Muneera Sallies

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Muneera Sallies, a remarkable South African film producer, director, and actress. Muneera shares her journey into filmmaking—from childhood experiments with a camcorder inspired by her mother’s encouragement, to discovering the emotional power of visual storytelling.

She delves into her recent feature film Old Righteous Blues, South Africa’s official submission for the 97th Academy Awards Best International Feature Film category. Set in the beautiful Western Cape town of Robertson, the film centers on Hantjie Jansen, a young man determined to restore the once‑glorious Old Righteous Blues Christmas Choir Band, known locally as a Kerskoor, to its former stature despite a decades‑long feud that split the community.

Old Righteous Blues has garnered eleven major festival awards—including Best Director (Romford Film Festival, 2024), Best Actor for Ayden Croy, and Best Supporting Actor for Joshwin Dyson and Stefan Erasmus. Muneera reflects on how the film is not just a drama, but a vivid celebration of South African heritage, music, and resilience—while tapping into universal themes of redemption, brotherhood, identity, and community.

A key focus of the interview: telling stories that authentically reflect and involve South African communities. Muneera discusses how local residents of Robertson contributed both on‑screen and behind the scenes—performing in the choir, assisting with choreography, catering, lighting, and more. Their involvement brought authenticity, pride, and real emotional depth to the film.

Hear Muneera’s thoughts on the future of South African cinema—her hopes for greater storytelling rooted in local communities, her vision for more inclusive, empowering filmmaking, and the kinds of projects she would love to pursue moving forward. This conversation is for anyone passionate about film, culture, and the power of stories to unite.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3368172/

https://www.instagram.com/muneera_sallies/?hl=en

https://www.international-feature.com/south-africa---old-righteous-blues.html


The artist's voicePetra SittigMuneera Sallies, Old Righteous Blues, South African film, Academy award nominated film