DUSHANBE, May 27, 2014, Asia-Plus — First prize in the Mohiddin Olimpur Foundation award for young Tajik photojournalists has been awarded to Suraya Khonova, correspondent for Radio
Ovozi Tojik
, according to the Tajik Branch of the Open Society Institute/Assistance Foundation (OSI/AF-Tajikistan).
The award followed a week’s course in Dushanbe for young photojournalists from Dushanbe, Khorog, Khujand and Qurqon Teppa.
The young photojournalists were reportedly introduced to the principles and practice of digital photography, sound recording, of filming with a mobile phone. They also had the opportunity to learn about developments in the Tajik and Western media and about media law.
This MOIF course was run with the support of the Open Society Institute in Tajikistan and Jadid Online.
This is the third course in multimedia and photojournalism to be organized by the Mohiddin Olimpur Foundation which was established to commemorate the work of Tajik photographer and film-maker Mohiddin Olimpur. Since 2007 more than 40 journalists and photographers have been able to learn the world’s latest multimedia techniques and to develop their professional skills.
David Morton, a former director of BBC World Service in London, is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Mohiddin Olimpur Foundation. David Morton said: “I was struck by the enthusiasm and determination of the young Tajik photojournalists who attended the course. They showed plenty of evidence of visual and creative imagination.” David Morton went on to say: “he was proud of the role which the Mohiddin Olimpur Foundation was playing in developing the work of young Tajik photojournalists.”
Zaur Dakhte, renowned Tajik cinematographer and photographer, a member of the Union of Cinematographers and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Mohiddin Olimpur Foundation said: “It is great that the Mohiddin Olimpur Foundation has organized this course. Not only has it brought greater knowledge and awareness of new techniques to our young photojournalists: it has also given them the chance to get to know each other, to form their own network.”
Nozim Qalandarov, a winner of news agency Reuters “Photograph of the Year Award” said: “Most of the young photojournalists taking part in the course were keen to study modern photographic techniques as well as photo-editing with a variety of computer programs”.
Baqer Moin of Jadid Media and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Mohiddin Olimpur Foundation was one of the leaders of the course. Baqer Moin said: “I am very pleased that the Mohiddin Olimpur Foundation is developing photojournalism and multimedia skills in Tajikistan, but I think it is very important too that the beauty of Tajikistan and its culture will make more impact in the outside world as a result of the Foundation’s work.”
Both Zaur Dakhte and Nozim Qalanadarov taught several of the Mohiddin Olimpur Foundation course’s sessions and were available to coach the young photojournalists.
Second prize in the Mohiddin Olimpur Foundation award for young Tajik photojournalists was awarded to Farrukh Qosimov, a freelance photographer, while the third prize went to Ahmadshoh Sulton, from website
Rouzgor
.
