We could not be happier to report that in 2016 we have raised the most ever for the True Life Fund! Together we have collected $42,500* for TLF recipient Sonita Alizadeh. Alizadeh, the teenage subject of the film Sonita, is an Afghani refugee living in the US who is both a rapper and an advocate against child marriage.
The True Life Fund is made up primarily of small donations, collected via festival screenings, local high schools, text-to-give donations, and our website, plus a generous challenge grant of $15,000 from the Bertha Foundation. The Crossing, a local Columbia church, has sponsored the Fest and the Fund for the past nine years.
The film, Sonita, directed by Iranian filmmaker Rokhsareh Ghaemmaghami, chronicles a pivotal moment in Sonita’s life. Living as a refugee in Tehran, Sonita dreams of becoming a successful rapper. But her efforts are threatened by her mother’s plans to sell her into marriage in Afghanistan. As things become desperate, the filmmaker intervenes, setting off an extraordinary chain of events.
“Words are not enough to express how the True Life Fund helped Sonita. The value was not only in the money, but the love and care that thousands of people sent Sonita,” Ghaemmaghami said.
At T/F, Sonita and director Ghaemmaghami did post-screening Q&As, and Alizadeh performed her original music for more than 4,000 people. T/F has established a trust in Sonita’s name, which will allow for regular distribution of the funds.
“I am truly grateful to True/False for this incredible support. This money secures a future education for me and a voice for so many girls who are not heard, as I work toward my goal of ending child marriage. The kindness of the friends I made at True/False is something I will always treasure.”Alizadeh said.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, The True Life Fund supports the subject of one film each year to show appreciation for the sharing of their stories. Alizadeh is increasingly a well-known opponent of forced child marriages, and recently performed at Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award ceremony.
The True Life Fund will help support Sonita as she furthers her education and works to achieve her musical aspirations. Additional donations to the TLF can be made here or via text (573.818.2151) through April 30.
The next True/False Film Fest will take place March 2 – 5, 2017 in downtown Columbia, Mo.
*UPDATE: As of April 30, when donations ended, the final tally increased to $43,514!