Sony helps Chechnyan camerawoman

Freelance camerawoman Raisa Talkhanova received The Freelancers' Choice Award at the 2001 Rory Peck Awards.

She was accompanied by colleague Paul Mitchell of Wilton Films who, speaking on her behalf, stated that she was currently unable to work due to a lack of essential equipment.

Raisa had won the award for her undercover work in filming the Russian siege of Grozny. For three months, Chechnya had been effectively isolated by Russia and her footage was the first insight into life behind the war. Because of Raisa's work, it became too dangerous for her to stay in the region and she went to the USA where she was granted political asylum.

Paul's remark caught the attention of the representatives from Sony - sponsors of the Rory Peck Awards. Directly after the ceremony, Sony contacted its US office to arrange for a DSR-PD150P digital camera to be presented to Raisa to enable her to continue working as a freelance filmmaker.

Miles Flint, President, Sony Broadcast & Professional Europe, explains the decision by Sony to donate the equipment. "Raisa's footage was instrumental in highlighting the true effect of the siege on Chechnya. She risked her life to secure the footage, and has faced asylum and the loss of her livelihood as a consequence. A number of organisations are working to help her settle into a new life, and I'm glad that Sony is able to assist."

Issue 11
April 2002

• From The Chairman
• A Trust Tale
• Sony helps Chechnyan camerawoman
• Needs of a Changing Industry: Forum
• Insurance Update: Do I Stay or Do I Go?
• Zimbabwe: New Media Law
• Recent Beneficiaries
• The Rory Peck Training Fund
• Canadian New Journalism Fellowship

• Issue 13
• Issue 12
• Issue 11
• Issue 10
• Issue 9
• Issue 8
• Issue 7
• Issue 6
• Issue 5
• Issue 4
• Issue 3
• Issue 2
• Issue 1

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