‘Camera nun’ Sr Lismi Parayil becomes first Indian sister to attend Vatican media event

Thrissur: Sister Lismi Parayil, also known as India's ‘camera nun,’ becomes the first Indian nun to be selected as a panelist at the Vatican's prestigious international media conference. Sharing her excitement, she credited her success to the support of the people and the Church.

Sister Lismi, who initially faced criticism for combining her faith with filmmaking, now proudly carries her ‘rosary in one hand and camera in the other,’ a tagline that has become synonymous with her work. Her journey began in 2007, when she shot her first video, driven by the belief that social media lacked content that promoted positive values. Over time, her work has earned her major recognition, including the Phoenix Award at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).

Building her craft with passion, dedication

She shoots her videos using rented cinema cameras and edits them herself in a studio she designed at Nirmala Province in Kolazhy. Through her YouTube channel, Nirmala Media, and working for television channels, Sister Lismi has gained widespread appreciation for her cinematography. Her notable works, including short films and albums such as Pidakozhi, Nanmayute Sugandham, and Ente Pooram Thrissur Pooram, earned special mention in the Vatican team's invitation.

Education, recognition

Sister Lismi, the youngest of three children in her family, holds a diploma in film studies and a postgraduate degree in journalism and mass communication. Her achievements continue to inspire many, as she becomes a prominent figure in the world of media. As part of the upcoming international conference on January 22-23, she has been invited to participate in a panel discussion on the 23rd.

This international recognition marks another milestone for Sister Lismi, who is set to board her very first flight, all the way to Rome, on Monday evening.