Kiana Hayeri, a talented Iranian-Canadian photojournalist, has been awarded the inaugural Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship in Photojournalism, an initiative introduced by the Truth Tellers Summit. This accolade includes a year-long mentorship in photojournalism at The Globe and Mail and Reuters, allowing Hayeri to further develop her impactful storytelling focused on underrepresented communities in the Middle East and Central Asia.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Hayeri, who relocated to Toronto from Tehran, has dedicated her career to illuminating the stories of women and those displaced by conflict. Her lens captures the often overlooked struggles of these communities, offering a platform for their narratives to be heard. Her commitment to this cause has not gone unnoticed; she has garnered numerous international awards, including the Tim Hetherington Visionary Award in 2020, the Robert Capa Gold Medal the same year, and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award in 2022. In 2024, she published her photobook, *When Cages Fly*, and became a laureate of the 14th Carmignac Photojournalism Award.
Recognition at the Truth Tellers Summit
The formal presentation of the fellowship is set for May 6 during the fourth annual Truth Tellers Sir Harry Evans Investigative Journalism Summit, a gathering that celebrates exemplary journalism from across the globe. The Truth Tellers Summit praised Hayeri as a standout choice from a competitive international field. “Hayeri emerged as a clear and compelling choice… with the strength and sensitivity of her portfolio and the moral urgency of her work,” they stated in a press release.
In her own words, Hayeri expressed gratitude for this opportunity, noting that the fellowship will provide her with the “time, support and mentorship” necessary to enhance her practice. “It allows me to deepen a practice rooted in slow storytelling, where photography holds power to account while centring the lived experiences of those most affected,” she remarked. Hayeri emphasised the importance of committing to these stories at a time when the truth is often contested and public attention is fleeting.
The Legacy of Sir Harry Evans
The Truth Tellers Summit was established by Tina Brown, the former editor of *Vanity Fair* and *The New Yorker*, in memory of her late husband, Sir Harry Evans. Evans served as the editor of *The Sunday Times* from 1967 until 1981 and is renowned for his relentless pursuit of journalistic integrity, notably in advocating for mothers affected by the thalidomide scandal. The fellowship, supported by Thomson Reuters chairman David Thomson and his family, seeks to uphold the rigorous standards of investigative journalism that Evans embodied.
A Bright Future for Photojournalism
Since its inception in 2022, the Truth Tellers Summit has been a platform for global editors and journalists to engage in meaningful dialogue and share insights into the art of investigative reporting. The fellowship awarded to Hayeri not only recognises her past achievements but also signifies a commitment to supporting future endeavours in photojournalism.
Why it Matters
The recognition of Kiana Hayeri through the Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship is significant for multiple reasons. It underscores the vital role of photojournalism in shedding light on marginalized communities and amplifying their voices on the global stage. In an era where authentic narratives often struggle to find traction, Hayeri’s work serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding. Supporting journalists like Hayeri ensures that the stories of those most affected by conflict and displacement are not just seen but felt, reinforcing the essential nature of journalism in our interconnected world.
