She grew up as a refugee in Denmark, but in november 2014 she
dropped out of high school to join the fight against Islamic State
Joanna Palani, 22, was born in an Iraqi refugee camp in 1993 after
her parents fled from Kurdish Iran. In ’96 her family managed to
escape to Denmark where Joanna Palani grew up the countryside.
“Let me be honest. Some times when we’ve been shot at I’ve
prayed to god and promised my self that I would travel back to
Denmark and live a normal life if just I survived this moment”
Joanna Palani says. By April 2015 she still hasn’t fulfilled that
promised. For Joanna the Kurdish war again ISIS is more important.
Awards 2016: Danish POY, 2nd prize, International News
2016: Danish POY, 2nd prize, Domestic News
2015: LensCulture, Finalist, Visual Storytelling Awards
2015: Px3, Gold, Feature Story
2015: Px3, Bronze, General News
2014: Danish POY, 1st prize, International Feature
2013: Collage Photographer of the Year, award of excellence, General News
2012: Danish POY, 2nd prize, Multimedia
