"The film the Jury has selected is as powerful and eloquent in its subject as in its cinematic storytelling. The story unfolds through masterful editing of layered and nuanced elements to reach a powerful emotional climax."

"The film SONITA draws us straight into the touching story of a strong-willed girl who fights for freedom and self-determination in her life. She is helped along the way by various people but above all by her charming and open character and her exorbitant strength and creativity. The Iranian filmmaker succeeds in answering the question of what the life of a woman is worth and has created a documentary masterpiece in two respects: her film does not just bring us closer to the thrilling life story of her young heroine but also proves the success of helping and that a film can change the world."