Joanna

• Prize
• Photographer
  Asger Ladefoged, Denmark
• Studio
  Berlingske/scanpix

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