It is rare to find a good news about Pakistan in international media these days. The winning of the first ever Oscar by a Pakistani documentary maker therefore comes as a welcome news. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is motivated in the “Saving Face” by a strong passion to tell the chilling truth about acid attacks on women. This is a significant social issue not only in Pakistan but also in a number of other countries. The documentary is a disturbing expose which is nevertheless a true description of the heinous acts that claim nearly 100 victims every year in Pakistan. Chinoy has not only brought under focus a horrible cruelty against women but also conveyed the message that by its willingness to reveal its dark side the Pakistani community is simultaneously trying to cope with it. It tells a story of hope with a powerful message. As Chinoy has put it, the documentary would encourage women working in Pakistan for change.
Chinoy’s earlier films produced over a period of ten years reveal her penchant for topics generally avoided as a taboo or for being contentious. This indicates a sense of commitment buttressed by unusual courage. Among her earlier productions, Women of the Holy Kingdom and Afghanistan Unveiled, deal with the plight of women in Saudi Arabia and the post-US invasion Afghanistan. City of Guilt takes on the Catholic Church in Philippines while the New Apartheid exposes xenophobia in South Africa. Other documentaries on Pakistan include the Emmy Award winning Pakistani Taliban Generation and Transgenders: Pakistan’s Open Secret which are also characterised by the same drive to bring out the dirt from under the carpet.
It is sad that none of Chinoy’s documentaries has been screened by any Pakistani channel on account of costly fees demanded by foreign channels. Hopefully “Saving Face” will find its way through DVDs followed by some of her other works. The Oscar Award to Chinoy should encourage up-and-coming documentary makers to compete for prestigious international awards. This would help raise the standard of documentaries made in the country.
