Sonita Alizadeh named as 2025 Cannes LionHeart
- Boutique Editions
- May 18
- 2 min read
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has announced that its 2025 Cannes LionHeart is musician, author and activist Sonita Alizadeh.
Alizadeh is co-founder of Arezo and The Dreams Book, a secret school for Afghan girls deprived of education under Taliban rule. Born under Taliban rule, Alizadeh faced the threat of child marriage twice, at ages 10 and 16, before finding her voice through music. Her rap video Daughters for Sale gained international recognition, amplifying her fight against child marriage. Her story was documented in the film Sonita, which tells the story of Afghan refugee girls in Iran, with Alizadeh at the heart of it.
One of the Festival’s most prestigious Awards, the LionHeart is given to a person who has harnessed their position to make a significant and positive difference to the world around us. Through her work as the first professional Afghan rapper, a human rights activist and an author, Alizadeh has become a global voice for women’s rights.
Philip Thomas, chair, LIONS, said: “Sonita’s journey is an inspirational story of resilience and courage. Through her music and her activism, she has used her voice and her platform to challenge oppression and inspire the next generation. We’re delighted to be recognising and honouring Sonita’s talent by awarding her as our Cannes LionHeart. It’s an Award that recognises the significant contributions that individuals can make to the world around us, and Sonita is using her voice to do that.
Alizadeh added: “Being awarded the Cannes LionHeart is a powerful affirmation that using my voice to fight for girls' rights and freedom matters. This Award reflects the journey from silence to sound, from being sold to standing on the world stage. It reminds me that no dream is too wild when it’s rooted in truth, courage, and purpose.”
Alizadeh will take to the Debussy Theatre stage on Friday 20 June, where she will share her story and her belief in creativity to change minds and make a difference, ahead of being presented The Cannes LionHeart Award.
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