A comprehensive visual chronicle of the Dordogne region's most pivotal year has emerged through the lens of veteran photojournalist Stéphane Klein, who recently unveiled his curated selection of images documenting the area's social and cultural landscape throughout 2025. The collection, which showcases the region's vibrant community life and pressing contemporary issues, prominently features a significant demonstration organized by the local activist group Sauvegardons Razac that took place in Thiviers on November 1, 2025. This protest, which drew substantial regional attention, exemplifies the type of grassroots mobilization that has come to define civic engagement in southwestern France this past year.

Klein, who serves as the dedicated photographer for the Périgord area, has spent decades developing an intimate visual narrative of this historically rich southwestern French region. His work consistently captures the delicate balance between Dordogne's deep-rooted agricultural traditions and the modern challenges facing rural communities today. Through his photography, Klein has documented everything from traditional festivals and market days to environmental controversies and local political movements, building an extensive archive that serves as both artistic expression and historical record. His 2025 collection represents the culmination of twelve months of daily assignments, personal projects, and spontaneous documentation of life in the Périgord.

The November demonstration in Thiviers stands as a centerpiece of Klein's recent work, illustrating his ability to capture the intensity of local activism. The protest, organized by Sauvegardons Razac, brought together residents from across the region to voice opposition to a controversial development project that threatened local interests. Sauvegardons Razac, whose name translates to "Let's Save Razac," has become increasingly visible in Dordogne's civic landscape, advocating for the preservation of local heritage, environmental protection, and community rights against what members describe as encroaching commercial development. Klein's photographs from that day document passionate speeches, handmade protest signs, and the diverse coalition of participants ranging from elderly farmers to young families, all united in their determination to influence local policy.

The Dordogne region, known internationally for its picturesque villages, prehistoric caves, and culinary traditions, has faced mounting pressures from tourism development, infrastructure projects, and demographic shifts that threaten its character. Thiviers, a commune historically celebrated for its porcelain industry and market town heritage, has found itself at the intersection of preservation and progress. Klein's visual documentation captures how these tensions manifest in daily life, from the concerns of local business owners to the activism of residents who fear losing the essential qualities that make their communities unique. His photographs serve as evidence of the region's evolving identity and the active role citizens play in shaping its future.

The significance of Klein's work extends beyond mere documentation; it represents the crucial role of regional photojournalism in an era of media consolidation and focus on major metropolitan areas. While national outlets often overlook rural France, photographers like Klein ensure that local stories receive visual representation and archival preservation. His images from 2025 tell a story of a region actively engaged in defining its own destiny, where traditional ways of life intersect with contemporary activism. The photographer's consistent presence at community events, council meetings, and protests has earned him the trust of local residents, granting him access to intimate moments that might otherwise remain unseen by broader audiences.

As 2025 draws to a close, Klein's photographic collection offers more than a retrospective; it provides a template for understanding how visual storytelling can amplify local voices and preserve community memory. The images from Thiviers and other locations throughout Dordogne demonstrate photography's power to transform local concerns into compelling visual narratives that resonate beyond regional boundaries. For the residents of Périgord, these photographs will serve as both a record of their collective action and an inspiration for continued civic participation in the years ahead, ensuring that the region's story remains visible and vibrant in the broader tapestry of French society.