​In 2017 the  key inspiration for the procession was the children's book Haroun and the Sea of Stories (1990) by author Salman Rushdie. The allegorical story can be read as a defense for free speech, importance of imagination, and meaningful exchange. One of the lanterns created by participants was a boat with six figures. It was made in memory of all the children who  drowned trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe that year. River of Light expanded its reach to include workshops not only at Valand Academy but also at Angereds Gymnasium and at Restad Gård, Vänersborg, Sweden's biggest asylum accommodation. Many students from Valand Academy and HDK and international artists including Moutaz Albashar and Mohanned Solaiman were engaged in the project. River of Light also partnered with B-Arts Staffordshire and A Bunda Samba Band.

Link to the documentation of the project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys2vr0DWK-E&t=3s