Iranian-Canadian photojournalist Kiana Hayeri has been honoured with the inaugural Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship in Photojournalism, an accolade presented by the Truth Tellers Summit. This prestigious fellowship includes a year-long mentorship in photojournalism at both The Globe and Mail and Reuters, aimed at supporting Hayeri’s efforts in shedding light on underreported communities, particularly focusing on women’s issues and forced displacement.
A Rising Star in Photojournalism
Hayeri, who relocated to Toronto after her formative years in Tehran, has built a remarkable reputation for her compelling visual storytelling. Her dedication to capturing the narratives of marginalized populations in the Middle East and Central Asia has earned her several esteemed accolades, including the Tim Hetherington Visionary Award and the Robert Capa Gold Medal in 2020, along with the Leica Oskar Barnack Award in 2022. In 2024, she published her photobook *When Cages Fly*, further cementing her status as a leading figure in contemporary photojournalism.
The fellowship will be officially presented on May 6 during the fourth annual Truth Tellers Sir Harry Evans Investigative Journalism Summit, an event dedicated to recognising and celebrating exceptional journalism from across the globe.
Recognition from Industry Leaders
The Truth Tellers Summit remarked on Hayeri’s selection, stating, “Hayeri emerged as a clear and compelling choice from a highly competitive global field, standing out not only with the strength and sensitivity of her portfolio but also with the clarity of her vision and the moral urgency of her work.” Hayeri expressed her gratitude for the fellowship, noting that it would provide her with the necessary time, support, and mentorship to deepen her practice meaningfully.
Reflecting on her commitment to storytelling, she stated, “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. At a time when truth is contested and attention is fleeting, staying with these stories is more urgent than ever.”
The Legacy of Sir Harry Evans
The Truth Tellers Summit was founded by Tina Brown, a notable former editor of *Vanity Fair* and *The New Yorker*, in memory of her late husband, Sir Harry Evans. Sir Harry, who served as editor of *The Sunday Times* from 1967 to 1981, was renowned for his investigative journalism, notably in advocating for mothers affected by the thalidomide scandal. His legacy of rigorous reporting continues to inspire journalists worldwide, with the summit aiming to uphold his standards in contemporary reporting.
The fellowship has received support from Thomson Reuters chairman David Thomson and his family, linking back to the historical ties of the Thomson family with the publication. Since its inception in 2022, the summit has hosted numerous panels featuring global editors and reporters, fostering a community dedicated to investigative journalism.
Why it Matters
Hayeri’s recognition through the Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship not only highlights her extraordinary talent but also underscores the critical role of photojournalism in amplifying underrepresented voices. In an era marked by misinformation and fleeting attention spans, her commitment to slow storytelling and in-depth narratives is vital. By focusing on the lived experiences of vulnerable communities, Hayeri’s work contributes to a broader understanding of global issues, reminding us of the human stories behind the headlines. Her achievements serve as an encouragement for aspiring journalists to pursue impactful storytelling that can drive social change.
