'Camera Nun’ Sr. Lismy CMC selected for prestigious James Alberione Award
Sr. Lismy CMC, widely recognised as the Camera Nun, has been selected for the prestigious James Alberione Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to media production.
The award will be presented during the 30th National Convention of Christian Journalists, organised by the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA), in Pune on September 20.
*CMC stands for the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel. It's a Syro-Malabar Catholic religious institute for women, founded in 1866 in Koonamavu, Ernakulam. The congregation was established by Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Rev. Fr. Leopold Beccaro.
With a prolific career in media ministry, Sr. Lismy has produced over 25 short films, 250 video albums, 150 documentaries and more than 100 interviews. Her works address pressing social issues, inspiring moral living and encouraging responsibility among viewers.
One of her recent films, Pidakozhi, tells the story of a young girl’s journey, highlighting resilience, solidarity and the transformative power of community support. Based on real-life experiences in an orphanage, the film underscores the importance of empathy and collective action against violence.
Beyond filmmaking, Sr. Lismy has demonstrated exceptional technical expertise by independently building a fully functional digital recording studio and assisting religious congregations in setting up media units. Her online platforms — including Nirmala Media TSR and the Camera Nun YouTube channel — have reached a global audience with more than 8.3 million views.
Her contributions have also gained international recognition. Earlier this year, she was invited to serve as a panellist at the Global Communication Gathering in Vatican City, where she was the only representative from India.
The James Alberione Award, instituted by the Society of St Paul in collaboration with the ICPA, commemorates Blessed James Alberione, a visionary media pioneer often described as a “media marvel.” The award honours individuals who use media to promote human values and drive positive change in society.
