Valentina Sinis
Italy
Valentina Sinis is a documentary photographer whose work focuses on women’s lives, conflict, and the personal consequences of political realities. Fluent in Italian, English, and Mandarin, she works internationally across photography, film, and reportage, often spending extended time with the people she photographs.
Premi Mirada Social InCadaqués 2026• SERIES •
The Last Butterflies
Three butterflies see a fire from afar. The first reaches it and returns, saying it is light. The second comes back, saying it is warm. The third flies closer and dissolves into the flames, never returning. To reach truth, one must sacrifice.
For these female Kurdish guerrillas, this parable reflects their struggle. Most are from Kurdish regions of Iran and belong to the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), with the Women’s Protection Forces (HPJ) forming an all-female unit. They describe themselves as the third butterfly - the last butterflies - ready to sacrifice for freedom and « Haqiqat » truth.
