"Zélie’s work stands out for its emotional sincerity and commitment to humanizing complex social issues," says Lisa Saltzman. "She exemplifies the spirit of this prize—compassionate, courageous, and deeply engaged". Hallosserie is known for her committed documentary practice examining migration and exile in northern France. Her ongoing project, The Game, focuses on the experiences of people living in and around Calais — many from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Eritrea — who undertake the dangerous journey across the English Channel. The crossings remain perilous, with numerous lives lost in recent years.

Since 2022, Hallosserie has worked closely with a local shelter in Calais, leading photography workshops and building sustained relationships with those directly affected. This long-term engagement informs a practice grounded in trust and collaboration. Through her work, she seeks to move beyond the reductive framings often found in mainstream media, foregrounding dignity, individuality, and the complex realities of displacement.