Two-time Academy Award-winning Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy was honored at the Cinema for Peace Gala 2025 in Berlin.
Her film, “DIANE VON FURSTENBERG: WOMAN IN CHARGE,” co-directed with Trish Dalton, received the prestigious Cinema for Peace Dove Award for Women’s Empowerment. This recognition celebrates the film’s powerful portrayal of resilience, entrepreneurship and empowerment through the life of legendary designer Diane von Furstenberg.
UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman initiated the Cinema for Peace Award for Women’s Empowerment in 2013. The award honors a film’s significant contribution to showcasing the empowerment and resilience of women. This award comes on the occasion of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, underscoring the documentary’s impact and relevance in today’s world.
“DIANE VON FURSTENBERG: WOMAN IN CHARGE”, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival and released on Hulu in June 2024 to much acclaim, explores the extraordinary life and career of fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg, from the creation of her iconic wrap dress to her enduring influence as a cultural leader.
“Diana’s story is one of courage, determination, and self-belief—a testament to the fight for women’s rights that is constantly challenged by those seeking to hold us back. Her legacy reminds us that nothing is absolute, that change is always possible. Through this film, we celebrate not just her life, but the universal truth that women can achieve anything when they embrace their true selves. Her spirit continues to inspire generations, and I am honored to see it recognized at Cinema for Peace” — said Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
More About The Event
This year’s event also featured a special honoring of Sir Bob Geldof for his monumental contribution to humanitarian efforts, marking 40 years of Live Aid, Do They Know It’s Christmas, and We Are the World, as well as Antonio Banderas. Honorees of 2024 also included Pope Francis, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Dame Helen Mirren.
About Cinema for Peace
The Cinema for Peace organization recognizes and honors the most valuable films of the year, focusing on those that address global social, political, and humanitarian challenges. Cinema for Peace has a long history of supporting impactful projects and has worked with numerous influential figures, including Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, Sean Penn, Nicole Kidman, Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela.
