Iranian-Canadian photojournalist Kiana Hayeri has been awarded the inaugural Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship in Photojournalism, an accolade presented by the Truth Tellers Summit. This fellowship, which includes a year-long mentorship at The Globe and Mail and Reuters, acknowledges Hayeri’s commitment to illuminating the narratives of underrepresented communities, particularly focusing on women’s experiences and issues surrounding forced displacement.
A Journey Rooted in Storytelling
Originally from Tehran, Hayeri now calls Toronto home. Her photographic work has consistently aimed to shed light on the stories of those often overlooked in mainstream media. With a particular emphasis on the Middle East and Central Asia, she has carved out a niche that highlights the resilience and struggles of women in challenging circumstances. Her dedication to this cause has earned her numerous accolades, including the Tim Hetherington Visionary Award in 2020, the Robert Capa Gold Medal the same year, and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award in 2022. Recently, she released her photobook *When Cages Fly* in 2024, alongside being named a laureate of the 14th Carmignac Photojournalism Award.
Celebrating Excellence in Journalism
The fellowship will be formally conferred on 6 May during the fourth annual Truth Tellers Sir Harry Evans Investigative Journalism Summit. This event recognises exceptional journalistic efforts and is dedicated to the legacy of Sir Harry Evans, the former editor of The Sunday Times, who was renowned for his tireless advocacy for justice and accountability in reporting. The Truth Tellers Summit, founded by Tina Brown, aims to uphold the investigative spirit that characterised Evans’s tenure, particularly in cases such as the thalidomide scandal, where he helped secure justice for affected families.
In a statement regarding her achievement, Hayeri expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunities this fellowship will provide. “This fellowship offers me the time, support, and mentorship to delve deeper into my practice,” she remarked. “It is vital to centre the lived experiences of those impacted, especially when the truth is increasingly being questioned and public attention is transient.”
A Commitment to Slow Storytelling
Hayeri’s approach to photojournalism is deliberate and reflective, often described as “slow storytelling.” This methodology prioritises depth and nuance over rapid-fire reporting, allowing her to capture the intricate realities faced by individuals in precarious situations. “In a time where attention is fleeting, the urgency of staying present with these narratives cannot be overstated,” she stated. Her work challenges viewers to engage with the complexities of human experiences rather than simply consuming images as fleeting content.
Why it Matters
Kiana Hayeri’s recognition through the Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship not only highlights her exceptional talent but also underscores the critical importance of diverse voices in journalism. By focusing on the often-ignored stories of women and displaced communities, Hayeri exemplifies the power of photojournalism to foster understanding and empathy in an increasingly divided world. Her work serves as a reminder that every image tells a story worth telling, and that the pursuit of truth is a vital endeavour in our collective human experience.
