Directors Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (L) and Daniel Junge, winners of the Best Documentary Short Subject for the film "Saving Face", pose with their Oscars during the 84th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 26, 2012. PHOTO: REUTERS
Pakistani journalist and documentarian Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s latest venture Saving Face has won an Oscar award under the category ‘Best Documentary, Short Subject’.
In her acceptance speech, Chinoy dedicated the award to “all the heroes working on the ground in Pakistan” including British Pakistani plastic surgeon Dr Mohammad Jawad, main subjects of the documentary and the women of Pakistan.
“All the women in Pakistan working for change, don’t give up on your dreams, this is for you,” she said.
Dedicating the award to main subjects Rukhsana and Zakia, Obaid-Chinoy said that their “resilience and bravery in the face of such adversary is admirable”.
Co-director Daniel Junge said he had the idea for the film after hearing about Jawad, and asked Chinoy to work with him. He has been previously nominated for an both an Oscar and an Emmy.
Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has also announced a civilian award for Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
A proud Saba Obaid addressed the media later in the day, stating that the film will bring a positive change in the country and in policy making. The director’s mother also hoped that this will help bring an end to crimes against women in Pakistan.
“We did talk to her… she wanted to know how it was. We said we can’t believe it. Nobody in the family had slept all night,” said Saba Obaid. She said Sharmeen will speak at Asia Society in New York and then at a TED Talk in Los Angeles and will return home in 8 to 10 days.
Saba Obaid said that she had always encouraged her daughters to become what they want. “Sharmeen went into filmmaking… an unusual line. She went into this and got respect,” she said. The director’s mother also emphasised that it was important encourage girls to receive education and go forward.
Asad Farouqi, the cameraman for Saving Face, was all praise for Obaid-Chinoy as well. He said that it was a big achievement that learning and working in Pakistan she had managed to make it to the Oscar Awards.
“Our programming is focused on showing a positive image of Pakistan,” said Farouqi. He said the real purpose of the documentary was to create awareness and that it was commendable that this had brought Pakistanis together and had them reacting in a positive manner.
Saba Obaid later read a message from Sharmeen:
I am deeply humbled and blown away by the outpour… and the well wishes I have received. It is an indescribable feeling and a dream come true.
This is for all the budding filmmakers who think that their work will not be appreciated. If I can do it so can you.
Today Pakistan was in the news for all the right reasons and I am thrilled that we are now recognised as artists and storytellers.
Zakia, Rukhsana, this one is for you.
“To win … and with such a subject – it’s such an honour,” he said.
The documentary Saving Face chronicles the work of Dr Jawad, who performed reconstructive surgery on survivors of acid attacks in Pakistan.
The documentary, which is filmed across Islamabad, Rawalpindi and the small towns of Punjab, was released in the US in November. It is due to release in the UK in March 2012, following which it will be released in Pakistan.
“The women who decided to be a part of the documentary did so because they wanted to make their voices heard and wanted to bring attention to this form of assault,” Chinoy said in an interview conducted before she won the Oscar.
“The main reason that they are in Saving Face is to make their stories heard and have an impact.” Many victims are women attacked by their husbands, and others assaulted for turning down a proposal of marriage. One girl in the documentary describes how she was burned after rejecting the advances of her teacher. She was 13 at the time.
Another woman featured in the film is 25-year-old Rukhsana, whose husband threw acid on her and her sister-in-law doused her in gasoline before her mother-in-law lit a match and set her on fire.
Chinoy said she hopes the cases in her film will resonate for others in Pakistan.
“It is a story of hope with a powerful message for the Pakistani audience. I felt this would be a great way to show how Pakistanis can help other Pakistanis overcome their problems,” she said.
Chinoy’s films have won international acclaim. Her 2010 documentary, Pakistan’s Taliban Generation, won an International Emmy Award.
At the ceremony, Obaid-Chinoy chose to wear female designers, from her clothes and her jewellery.
“I am wearing Bunto Kazmi for the ceremony and will be wearing Sana Safinaz and Saniya Maskatiya for Oscar-related events. My jewellery will be done by Kiran Aman of Kiran Fine Jewellery and Sherezad Rahimtoola of Labels. I am really excited to showcase local Pakistani talent, and that too all women,” revealed Chinoy.
President Zardari felicitates Obaid-Chinoy
President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday felicitated filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy on winning an Oscar award for Pakistan on her documentary Saving Face.
The president, in a message, appreciated Obaid-Chinoy for highlighting a sensitive topic of acid attacks on women with utmost sensibility and creativity.
He said the country’s artists had all the potential to thrive and prove their skills in the field of arts and culture.
The president lauded the filmmaker for bringing laurels to the country by excelling in film-making and sending a message to the world about Pakistan’s softer image.
Congratulations!
Recommend
Congratulations to Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy for winning Pakistan’s first Oscar ever!!!!!
Recommend
bravo ..well done
Pakistan zindabad
Recommend
It is a great news!! you make us proud. Thank you.
Recommend
Thank you, Sharmeen, so proud of you. A Pakistani woman making a documentary about Pakistan women and going on to win an award. What a fantastic achievement for you and the whole nation. Lets celebrate this joyous moment! :D
Recommend
Sharmeen, we are proud of you
Recommend
her earlier documentary ”terror’s children” is excellent too.
Recommend
Pakistan Got Talent!
Many Many Congratulations.
Recommend
Take a bow :)
Recommend
Proud of you Sharmeen for bringing glory to the nation . Your hard work ,courage, quality and dedication towards your work has given you what you deserved it in the form of an Oscar . The moment of proud of all Pakistan since you the first Pakistani who has won Oscars and Emmy Awards which tells each and every one of us the talent you hold and the charisma you have. Your contribution towards the society for all the women is immensely appreciated and hopefully we will see many more contribution from you in the future ; working for a cause ; for a better Pakistan where injustice will not be tolerated by our society and women will get the due which the deserve .
Recommend
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :))
Recommend
Pakistan is proud of you….!!
Recommend
Congratulations to Sharmeen, her team and the whole country. A proud moment for Pakistan.
Recommend
Great Lady !
you make us proud….
Recommend
Congratulations to Sharmeen Obaid and to the people of Pakistan..By the grace of Allah we proved once again that we can do what we want to….Pakistan Zindabad
Recommend
Yayyyy!!!
Recommend
Congratulations Sharmeen!!!! You make us Proud!! giving others that there is hope!
Recommend
Congratulations to Sharmeen Obaid and to the people of Pakistan..By the grace of Allah we proved once again that we can do what we want to….Pakistan Zindabad
Recommend
Proud to be a Pakistani today!!!! Congratulations to Sharmeen!!!!!!
Recommend
You made us proud :) Hope this documentary help change society for better and society get rids of monsters who deface women with acid
Recommend
CONGRATS SHARMEEN! so proud of you. you are a real hero of pakistan, working for the betterment of our country and improving its image. enjoy this moment before our jihadi/ghairat brigade finds an excuse to denounce you too…
Recommend
Congratulations Guys, you have made us all mighty proud!!! :DRecommend
Great achievement perhaps it may lead to some concrete efforts to correct our torn social fabric. Well done Sharmeen, we are proud of you.
Recommend
Many congrats to Sharmeen. Great job. You and your team deserve it.
Recommend
Way to go Lady , Hats Off !
Recommend
Congratulations to Sharmeen, I hope she wins more laurals in the future.
Recommend
Bingo! You made all of us proud!Recommend
Congratulations to Sharmeen, I hope she wins more laurals in the future as well.Recommend
Congratulations to all the people of Pakistan:
Saving Face Pakistan’s first Academy Award winner! “
Congratulations to Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy! and others for putting a face & spotlight on film-making in Pakistan & being the Pakistani woman at at the Oscars to a resounding applause for WOMEN in Pakistan! Hollywood is buzzing with excitement and best wishes.
You go girl!
Recommend
What a great honour for her and Pakistan !
Only the best of wishes and prayers for you
Recommend
We are SOOO proud of you!! You picked that topic that is so closer to our hearts and on top you won the OSCAR!!!!! Congratulations!!! Also, May Allah bless your father!
Recommend
Well done Sharmeen. You make us proud.
Recommend
Ms Chinoy you have done Pakistan proud. Congratulations!
Recommend
The news made my day :)
Recommend
Congrats to Ms. Chinoy on the coveted Oscar win!
Recommend
Immensely proud of you Sharmeen.
Some people are saying this is not a good thing as it is showing a shameful issue of Pakistan in the West. Well all I want to say is, that’s exactly why Sharmeen made the film: to help us all in Pakistan acknowledge this devastating issue that women in our country face daily.
Hopefully, with this win and publicity, justice will begin to be swifter for these women.
Recommend
Many Many Congratulations to you Sharmeen !! :D
Recommend
You have made us all proud. Well Done Miss Sharmeen.
Recommend
You are a great role model, Ms. Chinoy! Congratulations!
Recommend
Congratulations to Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy and her family ! MashAllah a great day for Pakistan :D
Recommend
Amazing!!
I am very happy that some one in Pakistan boosting up the talent for the industry, it is great for Pakistan..
Congratulations to Sharmeen Obaid !!
May Allah bless you.
AAmeen
Recommend
Bravo! you have bring it here ;)
Recommend
RARE PRIDE FOR PAKISTAN
Congratulations
Recommend
Congrats on this tremendous achievement…
Recommend
Way to go! A great tribute to a wonderful effort on an absolutely heart wrenching topic.
Recommend
Proud moment for all of Pakistan. The news made my Monday not so blue :)
Recommend
Any film which shows the weakness in Pakistani culture, society or any thing going wrong in the country will always win Oscar Award.
Had the same film made on the weakness of the Western Culture would have banned the entry of film maker would have labelled her as connection with Al-Qaeda or Taliban, followed by the prosecution.
Recommend
Well Done!!!!!!!!!!!
Recommend
Absolutely OUT OF THE WORLD…Sharmeen PAKISTAN is proud of you
Recommend
wonderful… made us proud! now let’s hope that the true message from her documentary is understand across Pakistan… Thank you Sharmeen !
Recommend
Congratulations Sharmeen!! We are proud of you!
Recommend
Feeling a proud Pakistani as Sharmeen Obaid won the first ever Oscar for Pakistan :)
Recommend
Beautiful. She made Pakistan proud!
Recommend
Awesome
Recommend
Congratulations! well done , keep it .
Recommend
Khudos!.. Congrats!
Recommend
now we are talking………..
Recommend
Haven’t seen her documentary but many congrats for raising the Pakistani flag. We proud of you.
Recommend
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy–respect …you have made us proud….Kudos
Recommend
stand up for the champion
Recommend
finally :)
Recommend
Congratulations Guys!! Thats how its done!!! Recommend
Shermeen good for you.
However, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan just got notorious for burning its women. The question is how much will its people learn to treat each other with dignity.
Recommend
Great Job! Congratulations :)
Recommend
Way to go!!
Thanks for making us proud!!
Keep up the Good work!
:)
Recommend
gr888888888…………… geo sharmeen. Pakistan zindabad
Recommend
Nice…..!!
Recommend
Many congratulations from India. Very well done!
I am sure your effort will also help the cause of many Indian girls who suffer similar fate.
All the best for your future efforts.
Recommend
Awesome, well done and may you be blessed Sharmeen. You have made us proud.
Recommend
Pakistan is resilient, kicking and alive!! Proud of you.
Recommend
wao congratulations;)))))))))))))
PAKISTAN ZINDABADRecommend
Job well done Ms. Chinoy!!
Recommend
Congrats to the daring lady! from Indians too
Recommend
Many Many Congratulations. Its a real pride for Pakistan.
Recommend
I Really love it
Pakistan is rising :))))))))))))
PAKISTAN ZINDABADRecommend
Congratuation Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy & Team!! For bringing Pride to Pakistan!!! Thank you for giving hope and courage to Pakistan that they can do anything… If they will!! You are an inspiration for new Pakistan!!
Recommend
many many CONGRATULATIONS…….Goodluck to all progressing for the same
Recommend
the documentary received an Oscar before even being released in PK. Sharmeen’s been given the Oscar for exposing a minor reality in the West, and trying to show Pakistan as a backward nation. Hell, abuse against women is not an issue of Pakistan, it is a global issue – but not really worth making a documentary over – and definitely not worth winning an Oscar.
Oscar’s been given to her for a lousy effort of showing a dark side of men, who happen to be Pakistani. I wonder if someone did such a documentary on the rapes that take per minute in France and US itself – whether it would receive such huge recognition – let alone the Oscar.
What bullocks! too much for the pessimistic Pakistanis who feel proud over an Oscar.
Recommend
I am so glad that I don’t know what to say so I am just liking everyone’s comments :’)
Recommend
A very hearty congratulations to Sharmeen! Job well done!!
Recommend
Sharmeen, You have made the Pakistani people proud. Its a real honor for the whole nation of Pakistan.
Recommend
Congrats to all, Pakistan got good thing by showing bad things – I am not proud of it.
Recommend
Proud of your achievement Miss Chinoy.
Well done.
Recommend
Why is every one proud here..?She won oscar for best short documentary. I.e she won the award for telling the truth. Truth is bitter , and truth is women are thrown acid on their face. She herself should be proud of telling the truth . Rest every one should be ashamed where ever these things Happen.
Recommend
Every issue in pakistan got potential of oscar some one have to make courage only great country great people.
Thats why american and indian are afraid that their film industry too got challaenge by pakistan.
Recommend
Congratulations – it’s people like you who give hope to other Pakistani’s to continue struggling for the country. Bravo – may success follow you closely in every endeavour you undertake.
Recommend
Congrtulations thats gr8 Ms Chinoy
U made whole nation PROUD!
good work always gets admiration!
keep it up
Recommend
Congrtulations thats gr8 Ms Chinoy
U made whole nation PROUD!
good work always gets admiration!
keep it up
Recommend
Hats off !! We all hope you keep it up.
Recommend
Hats of to you. Congratulations!
Recommend
Congratulations neighbors ! Great News !! :)
Recommend
May God Bless you, hats off to you sharmeen to give voice to voice less n to give face to the lost faces….
Recommend
This is a great step for women in pakistan. I hope shermeen’s next project sheds light on more positive and happy topic areas, but can’t wait for the release, ill make sure not to download a bootleg copy….Recommend
Anything portraying negative picture of Pakistan can win any international award
Recommend
I am glad for Ms chinoy but worried about Pakistan’s image to the rest of the world after watching few breath taking clips from her documentary.It would have been better if she had portrayed Pakistan positively ,as we have already maligned our reputation alot.
Recommend
Hail thee Sharmeen… Hail thee Women in Pakistan…slap on the face of men who treat women like animals. Women in Pakistan… all powers to you!
Recommend
take a bow!
Recommend
Good job… but this movie highlights the utter ugly, dark pathetic and most shameful side of pakistan…Recommend
I have not seen the documetnary yet, but I will watch it soon, as for real we cannot hide behind taboos and hide our mistakes.
Congratulations
Recommend
well done. all the best :-)
Recommend
Its great owner for pakistan
Recommend
Really amazing , a very moral boosting news when we all hear bad news associated with our country you are our role model.
Recommend
Its a shame on us particularly people who are engaged in such ugly crimes. It is also a failure of Government to curb such criminal activities from our society. It is not a moment to be proud, its a moment of disgrace and shame for the whole nation that such heinous crime is being committed in our country and once again our country is highlighted in the world not because of any positive or progressive activity but as a worst place for women. Sharmeen Obaid has effectively exploited this crime to gain popularity.
Recommend
Mashallah another BIG DAY to every Pakistani out there…
Congratulations Sharmeen & to every single person who contributed…!
Sharmeen, Aisam, Arfa Karim (Late) and a long list of mainstream and unsung heroes making our belief stronger & stronger that Pakistan is heading towards a Progressive & Prosperous Nation… Inshallah!
Feel so proud of you..! Stay blessed & Keep it up ‘THE PROUD DAUGHTER OF PAKISTAN’
Recommend
Congrats to Chinoy and her team from indian friends:)
Recommend
This was the best news,we all are proud of you
zinda bad.
Recommend
Now isnt that a good news!! Congratulations!!!
Recommend
Conratulation Sharmeen, the dedicated people supporting the cause and the victims of brutal attacks. I hope this will bring the cause to the forefront and as nation we can learn and stand against all kinds of brutailty and discrimination against the women. I wish as nation we learn to stand for the weak and vulnerable, raise your voice against all kind of oppression, bigotry, intolerance, and violence.
Recommend
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy had done us all proud, v well done indeed, congratulations to her and her team! : )
Recommend
We support you and your noble efforts. Congrats from India…
Recommend
Wow, what incredible work and an eye opener. The nation is proud of you……
Recommend
Congrats Ms Chinoy on this massive achievement. God bless you. You are an inspiration!!..
But lets not forget that she isn’t the first pakistani to bring home an oscar. only recently Mir Zafar Ali did.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1485675/bio
Recommend
One word-RESPECT!
Recommend
CongratulationsRecommend
@Kittu:
It’s about a documentary that she made. She highlighted a burning issue in the society? Why she or others has to be ashamed? Ashamed of what? You go and be ashamed of your ownself. We do not care. Are you from India Hiding here with a fake name? No doubt people like you are ultimate disgrace. Who cares and give a damn to you? Buzz off . We do not need you or your opinion. Get lost.
Recommend
Congratulations to Sharmeen. I hope this movie and this award go some distance in stopping attrocities against women in Pakistan, India and everywhere else as well.
Recommend
True & Real Role Model for Pakistani Women! Go Fullfill your Dreams. Only Country Where Dreams Become Reality is USA! Congratulations, We are Very Proud of You! Credit goes to your parents also, who gave you confidence to achieve success. Women of Pakistan, Learn from her Success. This is called projecting a Softer Image of Pakistan to the World.
Recommend
Congrats. I have also covered this great news for the site for which I write.
http://www.newzglobe.com
Recommend
Great achievement by Sharmeen. A deserved award. We are proud of you.
As usual, I don’t see any Indian trolls commenting here, as they always climb into a hole when something positive about Pakistan is published :-)
Recommend
She should’ve worn some dress with half sleeves at least ! ………..anyway Congratulations Miss !
Recommend
Congratulations.
Try google “Saving Face” and first result from an Indian Newspaper “The Hundu”. Oscar is nothing publish a material portraying a negative image of Pakistan and you will win Noble prize.
Next time make a documentary on good things happening in Pakistan. Lets see what you get. When things are going bad in your home you dont tell every one do you? Please for once consider Pakistan as your HOME.
Recommend
It feel like that i have win this award like every Pakistani .
Recommend
Finally! Finally Somebody Made Us Proud After a Very Long Time. Love you & God Bless You! Saw You Live Receiving the Award with Tears in My Eyes. True Role Model!
Recommend
FINALLY – some good news about pakistan rather then the terrorism, extremism and mullahs that we have become accustomed too
Recommend
@HQ: Haters gonna hate. Congratulations ;)
Recommend
Thank you Sharmeen. love PAKISTAN :)
Recommend
It remains to be seen if the Pakistani Government and the Conservative Mullah lobby acclaims and acknowledges her brilliant work. This is an honor for Pakistan and Pakistani women. Keep up the good work. A First step but a gigantic stride for women in Pakistan.
Recommend
Wonderful day for Pakistan, Pakistani women and Karachi Grammar School, today! Sharmeen Obaid has made us all proud.
Recommend
Anything portraying dark picture of Pakistan can win any international award
Recommend
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: Sweeping the garbage under the rug and hoping no one would see it doesn’t get rid of the garbage. The reality is that women are victims of this brutal act, and it is about time that their stories are told! We need to do something about this issue and stop being in denial!
Recommend
Wow I wish I could also win an Oscar by making a documentary that paints my country as a place full of terrorists. Too bad I have that whole thing called ‘conscience’ that keeps me from doing so…
Recommend
Blockquote
Blockquote> Another woman featured in the film is 25-year-old Rukhsana, whose husband threw acid on her and her sister-in-law doused her in gasoline before her mother-in-law lit a match and set her on fire.Blockquote
2 women torches another women true but sad…. (women)
Recommend
Blockquote
Blockquote> Another woman featured in the film is 25-year-old Rukhsana, whose husband threw acid on her and her sister-in-law doused her in gasoline before her mother-in-law lit a match and set her on fire.Blockquote
2 women torches another women true but sad…. (women)Recommend
Can I win an Oscar too if I make a similar movie about the same subject except how it happens in India? From my knowledge, acid-throwing as a form of domestic abuse is just as common there as in Pakistan, so since she won an Oscar for covering it in Pakistan then maybe I can win one too my with a movie that covers it in India… but something tells me though that that probably wouldn’t work out… maybe I should just stick to something that helps paint Pakistanis as terrorists, I think that would probably be my best shot to the Oscars.
Recommend
@HQ: Congratulations, they let you out.
Recommend
Woww………….Great news for all the Pakistanis across the world and especially to the Women of Pakistan.
Recommend
Hilarious to see people here criticize her for bringing forth an important issue. I’ pretty sure none of those who criticize her believe in social awareness – No, one should just bury his/her head in the ground, ignore what is wrong with Pakistan and move on. God forbid someone try to highlight issues, spread awareness and work to help those poor women affected by acid attacks. Let those women be ostracised and ignored.Jivay Pakistan!
.
I, for one, am disgusted. Sorry state of affairs.
Recommend
Congratuilations Sharmeen- it is indeed a delightful news for all Pakistanis
Cheers to Pakistan:)Recommend
Hats Off….Congratulations and proud of you Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
Recommend
wow…. goood news…. where i can watch this documentary..?
Recommend
@Ghaznavi:
Were you missing me? I’m here….
Recommend
Ms. Chinoy, i’m thrilled with your success. And thank you for wearing a sleeveless outfit at the awards ceremony. You are a true,liberted south asian nari/stree. I’m proud of you.
Recommend
Mubarak Ho!!
Heartiest congratulations to Sharmeen and the fellow Pakistanis for winning their first Oscar. I haven’t seen the documentary but I would love to see that. Can anybody help me out in providing a link for the same?
Once Again,Nice to see a Pakistani in the news for good reasons.
Congrats.. :)
Recommend
All the News Channels: ” Sarmeen Obaid ne Oscar Jeet Kay Pakistan ka Nam roshan kar dia ”
Some body please tell these morons to look at the Oscar Winning documentary, which highlights the atrocities on women in Pakistan. So much for Pakistan’s Roshan image ! Shame on us !
Recommend
I can bet on this: that if the topic of this documentary would have been related to any progress in Pakistan. It would not have been able to win this award. :)
Anyways it is a great news though !
Recommend
You can get better rewards in West when you bash your own country. How ironic!! They dont give it to Eedhi oh!!! yes I forgot!!! He is a patriotic Pakistani doing good on the field. Live a life!!! Now those who left their parent rote in old homes, while classifying women no more than sex slaves and phonographic objects will teach us morality. Get a life!!!!
Recommend
Congrats Sharmeen
Recommend
Great work and achievement , she made pakistan proud ,Pakistan Zindabad
Recommend
Kudos!! Atleast someone is making Pakistanis proud in positive sense :)
Recommend
Sad. This lady has protracted the worst of Pakistan like burning women, acid pouring etc & what kind of impression will it carry of Muslims? Recommend