Cinema for Peace Honorary Awards

The Cinema for Peace 2024 is an annual gathering with the purpose of awarding international leaders, political activists, filmmakers, actors, artists, and dignitary celebrities for their contributions to fostering global unity and social change through the power of film. The 2024 edition of this prestigious event honored world leaders such as Pope Francis, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili, as well as esteemed personalities such as Sharon Stone, Helen Mirren and 102-year-old Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer. 

The Cinema for Peace Honorary Award 2024 was awarded to His Holiness Pope Francis remotely for campaigning in favor of Ukraine’s freedom against Russian occupation and his humanitarian efforts to protect civilians and children from the horrors of war; to US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton for her engagement in spreading peace and democracy around the globe as a politician as well as through her film production company;

and to the 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his personal commitment to diplomacy as a way to promote peace and reconciliation in difficult times. 

In association with The World Forum on the Future of Democracy, Technology, and Humankind, this year’s Guardian of Democracy Award was presented to Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Narges Mohammadi. While still imprisoned, her children Ali Rahmani and Kiana Rahmani accepted the award on her behalf and delivered a poignant letter written by their mother from an Iranian prison facility. 

Dedicated to celebrating the transformative potential of cinema, we have invited the Founder of Live Aid - Sir Bob Geldof - hosted the event, whose award categories aim to tackle the most pressing issues of our time, from fighting oppressive regimes worldwide to highlighting agricultural practices that could potentially offer solutions to environmental disasters. The evening was also elevated with a performance by the clarinetist Giora Feidman from Schindler’s List.

Narges Mohammadi Sent a Letter From Prison and Her Children Accepted the Award on Her Behalf

In a letter from prison, Narges Mohammadi expressed her gratitude for the award and reaffirmed her unwavering resolve to fight for the downfall of the misogynistic regime of the Islamic Republic. During the acceptance speech delivered by her daughter, it was emphasized that Mohammadi firmly believes the Iranian people will soon achieve victory and celebrate in the streets of their cities. For Mohammadi, peace is central to the reestablishment of democracy and freedom, as are women's rights in Iran, Afghanistan, and all conflict zones. She also extended her heartfelt thanks for the honor to the Cinema For Peace Foundation.

The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Attends the Ceremony in Berlin

In her acceptance speech, Hillary Clinton expressed her gratitude for the honor and emphasized the importance of storytelling in uplifting people’s spirits. She acknowledged key figures in attendance, including Annalena Baerbock, Ban Ki-moon, and Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer, highlighting their contributions and resilience. Clinton also referenced critical global issues, advocating for better narratives that foster unity and problem-solving, while honoring the legacy of Alexei Navalny and his commitment to freedom and democracy.

The 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Renewed His Commitment to Social Justice

After receiving the 2024 Honorary Award, the 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his heartfelt thanks to Ms. Anne Curry for her gracious introduction. He noted that the award had further strengthened his dedication to the principles he championed during his time at the United Nations. Ban Ki-moon also conveyed his deep appreciation to His Holiness Pope Francis for his leadership and spiritual guidance, highlighting their close collaboration during his tenure.