Obituary: Media Education Pioneer

Ismo Kiesiläinen, a journalist and media and film pedagogue, died on May 12, 2026, in Helsinki at the age of 45 following a long illness. Born in Vantaa in 1981, Kiesiläinen dedicated his professional life to the "Nuorten ääni" (Youth Voice) editorial team. This initiative empowers young people to create newspaper and TV reports for Finland's major media outlets.

Kiesiläinen's core teaching philosophy centered on fostering critical thinking and sharp observation skills. He consistently championed young people's agency in their creative processes, even when it challenged adult perspectives. He trained numerous teachers in his "camera pen pedagogy," which posits that a camera is more than a tool; it's a way of thinking. Through camera-based exercises, students learned to explore, structure their understanding of the world, express ideas, share knowledge, and interact with others.

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When the question of what happens next takes over the mind, it is harder to immerse oneself in the unique moment that is happening right now.

He possessed a remarkable ability to be present, connect with individuals, and recognize their strengths. His deep interests spanned societal issues, philosophy, film theory, caves, newts, and the composition of green gummy candies. Kiesiläinen used long discussions, walks, and filmmaking as methods to observe the world and bring people together. His adventurous spirit led him and friends on expeditions for the film collective "Ihmiskunnan ainoa toivo" (Humanity's Only Hope), venturing into forests, urban shopping centers, and even taking overnight trains to Lapland. He directed around thirty insightful film projects.

His creativity, distinctive humor, playfulness, and enthusiasm were evident from childhood. As an adult, Kiesiläinen delighted friends with unique culinary creations, such as spaghetti cakes. He was a loving, gentle, and patient father and partner, believing that "experiences of being seen and understood create security and joy." He lived by his principles, offering these experiences to everyone around him. His partner, daughter, mother, brothers, friends, colleagues, and many young people he mentored knew that life with Ismo was full of wonder.

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experiences of being seen and understood create security and joy