- RSS
- Today's Paper
- Subscribe
- beta 2.1
Alerts
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s documentary wins Oscar
Obaid-Chinoy dedicates award to all the women in Pakistan, heroes working in the country.
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.
Read more:
acidattack
, sharmeenobaid
Reader Comments (249)
Pakistan Latest Stories
Six officials killed as militants ambush army convoy in Peshawar
Three other officers were injured in the attack.
Literary talk: Seeking solace in mysticism
Participants of an ongoing series on Rumi’s poetry reflect on various themes.
En route: Mass transit to come to Islamabad via Pindi
CDA aims to collaborate with Punjab govt for financing twin cities’ bus service.
Spiritual evening: Hitting mystical notes on a musical night
Hanif termed sufism as a need of the time to promote peace and brotherhood as much as possible.
Gunned down: Peace committee member killed
On May 31, a volunteer of Masho Khel peace militia was killed in a medium-intensity bomb blast.
Fatal argument: Student kills classmate inside classroom
Deputy commissioner orders inquiry into the incident.
Stalled mid-way: FATA Secretariat abandons tea plantation project in Bajaur
Farmers complain of no support from authorities to set up tea gardens.
Photo exhibition: Trip to the hub of Old Lahore
Kulsoom Aftab’s photographs make for a vivid ride through the city streets.
Recent Slideshows
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed or derived from.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is copyrighted © 2013 The Express Tribune News Network.
Technical feedback? [email protected]
@HQ: It is really sad to see the people of Pakistan who are so mesmerized by the west that they have lost the sense to understand the difference between good and bad. They are happy that an Oscar has come at home, but they don’t even have the IQ to understand at what cost?
Throwing acid is just not prevalent in Pakistan but its common in western world including UK, look for the programme aired on channel 4 “My beautiful Friends”. I challenge the lady to portray something positive about Pakistan and she will not even be nominated.
The easy way to earn fame is perhaps to ridicule your country which is a phenomenon very prevalent in elite class of the country. There are many good things happening in the country and its about time to improve the image of your country by showing the world its good side too. It already has received enough battering from the world.
I feel extremely sorry for the nation, I think we are a nation in nervous breakdown who can’t even think straight now!Recommend
Congratulations..to the whole team of SAVING FACE .
It’s not just a thought provoking venture regarding an issue which needs to be addressed direly.
But it also portrays quality of our Nation that it can work on to find solutions for its issues and succeed in resolving it.
Recommend
will a documentary on AAFIA siddique get an award even if made with latest tech and millions of budget ??
Recommend
You gave Pakistanis a reason to smile, feel proud and to be hopeful..
Recommend
Well done sharmeen you have made us proud an honour for you and the country.All the Pakistanis should take is positively.It is a very bold effort of sharmeen and she deserves the applaud.
Recommend
Well Done Sharmeen Obaid!! Emmy winner and now Oscar winner!! So proud of you!!!
Recommend
kudos!!
Recommend
This is undoubtedly a victory for Sharmeen.
In holding her mirror to us all, it represents the collective defeat of our society which allows this mutilation to continue. The roots of the problem are in the community and can only be solved by individual repugnance and community’s action. Passing the buck to government action is being in denial of personal responsibilities by everyone of us.
Recommend
Congratulations to all the Pakistanis who are fighting to bring ‘change’ in our society especially these un-sung heroes Dr Jawad (for doing free of cost operations and rehabilitation for acid victims), Rukhsana, Zakia (for being bold enough to share their stories and being change makers) and Marvi Memon (fighting for bill of acid victims. Though we regret that u resigned fr parliament. There was only one parliamentarian who was working for Pakistanis.) and others.
Sharmeen Obaid – Chinoy thankyou for covering them and making Pakistanis become more prouder of you and themselves.
Now we expect more of them from you and your students.
Best wishes and duas.Recommend
Congratz Ms.Chinoy..
We all Pakistanis are Proud of u…
Keeep it up! =)
Recommend
congratulations to sharmeen chinoy. well done
Recommend
@HQ:
Keep living in denial and never admit anything. This documentary shows Pakistan can solve its problems if the state is willing but actually no, not for people like you living in denial.
And please don’t, don’t compare Pakistan’s situation with that of Europe/US. You obviously have no idea of how the world outside Pakistan works! These countries have proper legal systems in place and criminals don’t roam free like in Pakistan. Sadly, your stereotypes about US/ West are very far from reality and women there are SAFER then in the Muslim Pakistan! Doesn’t surprise me one bit that you and most of Pakistan continue to live in denial.
Recommend
I feel as if i won the Oscar. So proud of our Women ! …
Recommend
Oscar for Pakistan
Recommend
It is great honor for Pakistani film makers to reach such a high pedestal. It will not only help to improve the soft face of Pakistan in the world but also to encourage Pakistani film makers for produce world class documentaries.
Recommend
i cant believe reading some of the comments here, unbelievable. none of you have watched the doc, none of you even know the original subject. the doc is concentrating on how these brave women fight for their lives n survive against all the odds and how Dr. Muhammad Jawad reconstructed their face with the help of plastic surgery(if only u could concentrate on the title Saving Face). so shut your mouths up n if you have got so much problem with these things then go n do something yourself rather than sit on your computers n rant. n this is not the problem of pakistan only go and see the documentry “my Beautiful Face” on you tube, through which Dr Jawad actually gained fame, n it z not about any pakistani but about an american model whose boy friend got acid thrown on her face. you are the one who are the pessimist, whose sole purpose in life is to ruin other people’s happiness by pouring your hatred and filth over them. learn to LIVE and LET live
Recommend
wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow…
Recommend
A Truly Joyous Moment for All of Pakistan… Lets just Bask in Glory for the moment and forget all about Electricity, Gas, Water & Politicians.
Pakistan Zindabad..
Recommend
Love it !!
Recommend
“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” ……….That means the credit goes to Daniel Junge.
Recommend
Great ,,,…
Recommend
Well done Chinoy… I think Shoaib Mansoor shoud learn a lesson or two from her… this is how u educate people of the realities we r facing… not the obnoxious and over exaggerated portrayal of fanatic molvis which he made us watch in BOL…
Good Job Sharmeen … we r proud of u…
Recommend
And what is the documentary about? Has everyone seen it????
Recommend
@HQ: You are right and seem to be a lone voice! Obaid-Chinoy is playing to the gallery- all those ‘bleeding-heart’ Western liberals who will seize on any opportunity to denigrate Pakistan and show it as being a backward Muslim country that tolerates violence against women. Her claim that the film shows the ‘positive image of Pakistan’ is cynical and disingenuous.
Ofcourse we have a problem, but broadcasting it to the world in this way to gain publicity and further one’s career is almost as morally reprehensible as the act of acid-throwing itself. Why does she not put her manifold talents to better use and make a truly positive film on Pakistan? Or is that too difficult? I suppose it would also not get the attention that she so obviously craves.
Recommend
I hope Bilal Lashari is next… looking forward to the Waar release
Recommend
Brilliant!
What a breath of fresh air.
Recommend
Congrats to Ms Chinoy from India. It’s a matter of great pride for your country. It’s a pity that I don’t see the usual rightwingers from Pakistan who populate these forums coming out to acknowledge your priceless achievement got Pakistan. God bless your creativity and your courage.
Recommend
Sharmeen I being your great grand (parnana) feel very proud of you. God bless you.
Recommend
Congratulations. Well done Sharmeen. You are real face of Pakistan
Recommend
Congrats very well done. Haters are going to hate so why waste time on them.
Acid attacks happen to women even to men. Just in a spur of the moment jealous husbands, fiances, brothers destroy a women’s life and get away with it very easily. I say make more documentaries like this again and again and again until Pakistanis start taking women’s issues seriously and start considering women as human beings.
Recommend
Thank you Sharmeen for bringing Oscar to Pakistan. Watch her documentary “Pakistan’s Taliban Generation”, its about how talibans/ moulvi’s and how they are radicalising our society and how they are affecting the lives of young children. She won Emmy award for that, I think she should have won Oscar for that documentary too.
Recommend
The commonest refrain in postings by diehard obscurantists is that documentary maker Sharmeen brought bad name to the country! Does it ever occur to them, that the criminal act of mutilating someone is shamefully gross and not talking about it?
Condoning a criminal is treated as an act of patriotism. Cry the beloved country.
Recommend
Well done Sharmeen. You have held Pakistan’s image in high esteem, in these dark moments. You are not only so talented, but a brave women to have filming another award winning documentary, the ‘Children of the Taliban’ under very adverse circumstances.
Recommend
Congratulations!
Recommend
This is an honor for Pakistan . But , on the same platform it’s been -ve impact of Pakistan from the doc. ‘Saving Face’.
Recommend
You make us proud! What a great achievement!
Recommend
@Akhtar:
“Sad. This lady has protracted the worst of Pakistan like burning women, acid pouring etc & what kind of impression will it carry of Muslims?”
Dear Lost Friend,
You are worried about the impression abroad? What kind of expression will this Muslimah with acid doused-face, carry for the rest of her life?
Recommend
Hats off to you Sharmeen! I loved it when you said, ” Today Pakistan is in the news for the right reasons….!” Way to go !
Recommend
@Akhtar: You be sad about the image while I hope it will cause some decrease in acid face burning incidents. By the way please don’t involve the Muslim sentiments. It happens in India started by some bad elements amongst Hindus not Muslims.
But really this has nothing to do with religion.
Recommend
@Akhtar:
People like you are more concerned about what impression will the world carry about us as a country. That is what we have been doing all these years,ie covering up our ills and look what a splendid image we have in the world today! Its time to wake up my friend and learn from our mistakes and think of rectifying our shortfalls. This lady at least had the courage to highlight some of our my numerous abuses hurled on the downtrodden in our society.
Recommend
WELL DONE, Many Many Congratulations to Sharmeen and Whole Pakistani nation. You make us proud.
Recommend
Then there are moments like this…and there would be many more Sharmeens only if they had a book in thier hands. Good wishes!
Recommend
Proud to be a Pakistani..!! :)Recommend
To all the people criticizing Sharmeen, you say that getting acclaim for highlighting these sort of issues gives a bad name to Pakistan. So, the world doesnt know about our madrassahs? The Taliban? What about corruption? Pakistan is already defaced. I doubt you people have even seen the trailer of the documentary. Acid throwing is common place in a country like ours, BUT she’s laying emphasis on the fact that there are people who are willing able to step up and do something about it. Or you think that this documentary was a CIA/RAW/Zionist conspiracy to defame Pakistan’s name amongst the Muslim ummah?
What are YOU doing for your country? Please?
Recommend
We proud of you
Recommend
love u sharmeen.
Recommend
Congratulations, best wishes for her to achieve every success in the World.
and @Pakistanis who are complaining Indians don’t congratulate her, please grow up will you, or wear better spectacles.
Recommend
Today Sharmeen proved that Pakistani Nation can do Anything….Anything…We love you Sharmeen..God Bless You
Pakistan Zindabad
Recommend
Sharmeen Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We the Pakistanis Rock everywhere in the World!!!!!!!!!
Recommend
As someone on Twitter gave a very next idea to Sharmeen; Make a documentary on Drone Victims and cover them, may be with the name Saving Poor Souls.
I hope US fund her like funded Saving Faces?
Recommend
@IQ:
Or try covering Target killing Issue in Karachi or Drone Victims :-)
Recommend
MashALLAH…A Proud Moment :)
I wish we could give the same due respect and honor to our only Nobel Laureate Dr. Abdus Salam as well, I would want our generations to know he too is our hero and he lived and died as a Pakistani and he brought this nation Honor. The World recognized him as a genius where as we deserted him as a peasant.
We must learn to pay homage to our National Hero’s
Recommend
A Pakistani won an Oscar? everyone totally missed the point as usual. This Oscar will further reinforce and ensure that everyone else in the world shall perceives Pakistanis as they have been projected in that documentary. As if this only happens in PK. Being joyous and festive on this event couldn’t be more obnoxious and self-mocking.
Recommend
I’m deeply touched, madam.
Heartfelt wishes for you. I hope you keep doing what you do.
Regards!
Recommend
love u Sharmeen, Love u Pakistan
Recommend
Kudos to this Brave Heart woman… I believe Pakistan needs more Brave Heart woman like Sharmeen. Her courage speaks more louder than any rewards. All the best and congratulations to Sharmeen.Recommend
@Jawad Iqbal Jawad:
comon dear grow up she showed wat ppl do to woman in pakistan Recommend
Congragulations plz continue your hardwork and highlight other important issues in this country but at the moment enjoy…………..this your moment!!!!!!!!! :>
Recommend
@Ahmee:
100% agreed
Recommend
Excellent! So it’s not all doom and gloom for Pakistan. It’s society does produce a few worthy people.
Recommend
Congrats!
Recommend
One of those rare moments when we can celebrate. Let’s join hands as Pakistanis to celebrate………O .Balle Balle, O..Shava Shava………Yaaahooooooooooo! Sharmeen a proud daughter of Pakistan.
Recommend
m sure this lady is not gonna rest on her laurels.. .
carry on g.. .thumbs up!
Recommend
Well there’s a little confusion going around today about the first ever Pakistani winning an Oscar. In fact Mir Zafar Ali was the first ever Pakistani to win an oscar for the movie ‘The Golden Compass’ in 2007 for best Visual effects. We surely are proud of Sarmeen but Zafar was the first… Just on a side note!
http://shaheenrajan.blogspot.com/2011/06/he-created-banshee-in-x-men-first-class.html?spref
Recommend
bravo! finally Pak talent at its best!
Recommend
Wonderful Sharmeen! We are elated but we also feel embarrassed on realizing that people like her live on fringes in Pakistan. She is a woman, liberal, independent and creative – exactly kind of person this society hates!
Recommend
Welcome change from routine news of suicide bombers
Congrats Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy !Recommend
I always said only Men in Pakistan are women.
Example
Asma Jehangir
Mukhtara mai
Beena Malik
Marvi Sirmand
Farzana Bari
and now
Chinoy.
Well done.You have made us proud.Recommend
Sharmeen, amazing achievement congratulations!
Recommend
@HSK: Throwing acid on a weak helpless woman’s face is a heinous act and no matter what you say or what think justifies all the political thinking you are pointing at. Pray to God nothing like this ever happens (Allah na karey, khaakam badahan) to any woman you care about or you’ll forget all your strategic thinking!
Recommend
All of us Pakistani women in Indianapolis are so proud of you,that was the best Oscar
ceremony of my life.Please continue your great work for the oppressed in the world.
Recommend
Congrats. Excellent. I hope now there is much awareness about this crime of acid throwing in Pakistan.
Recommend
we pakistanis r proud of u!!
Recommend
My heartiest congratulations to sharmeen and All Pakistanis to make me feel Proud after decades when Pakistan won Cricket World cup.
I am in states ,I am able to raise my head and say I’m proud Pakistani.
Recommend
@True Pakistani:
Very goog,that,u saying with the grace of ALLAH,BECAUSE Director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy awarded for the Best Documentary (Short Subject for the film “Saving Fact) was her GOOD work because she did it, ALLAH HELP those who help themselve Recommend
Sharmeen, We are proud of you. May Allah bring you happiness and more success for working on such a good deed. You and your team deserves much more praise. Thank you for shedding light and bringing attention to such an important social issue.
Recommend
@Proudy:
How about a documentary on 30,000 Pakistani lives lost/murdered/killed in lieu of terrorism? you talk about 100 acid victims and yet ignoring thousands of lives lost in fighting somebody’s war on our land in just few years? I bet chances of having someone’s loved one’s in 30,000 to a 100 is far higher. You are talking about Pakistani women? how about thinking for saving Pakistan from international/neighboring vultures in the first place and then worrying about inhabitants?
Recommend
the list of documentaries she made-
pakistan’s double game
pakistan’s taliban generation
saving face- about acid victims in pakistan
wow, she surely showing the bright side of pakistan ….lol
Recommend
congratulation: Proud to be Pakistani daughter has present a great problem of Pakistani women.
Recommend
@shailesh:
Sadly an Indian can figure out the reason behind the award but not my silly countrymen. Ignorance is bliss.
Recommend
strong textAll Glory to Sharmeen & Disgrace to the Nation. strong text
“Obaid-Chinoy won the Oscar for Best Documentary (short) for Saving Face, a documentary on the victims of acid attacks in Pakistan “
Saving Face? The nation lost its face in front of the world. Now, this movie will become popular around the world and Pakistani Muslims will be demonized further, if they arent already. The world will Stereo Type an average Pakistani Muslim as someone whose a Acid thrower and women abuser. Already, theres honour killing by British/American/Canadian Pakistani muslims and this documentary will reinforce that Pakistani`s are like this.
Its a wonderful strategy where most of us are happy that a Pakistani won the Oscar but on the other hand, all of Pakistan has been disgraced. Shame on us who are rejoicing.Recommend
I am laughing at the stupidity and ignorance of Pakistanis who are feeling pride that they are getting ridiculed infront of the world. Bravo Pakistanis!Recommend
india also got its oscar for showing its abstract poverty. and now paksitan got its oscar for its acid victims. i can sense a patten here.
india’s first oscar nomination film ‘salaam bombay’ was also about slums, poverty etc.
they give oscars to the documentaries which shows the worst in our country.
no documentary got recognition about bhopal gas tragedy which killed 10000 indians by an american company. such documentaries dont get awards.
i am sure if a documentary is made on drone victims will get any award.
we indians and pakistanis fight with each other and others take advantage of us.
Recommend
Trust our PM to jump on the publicity bandwagon and announce an award. The local award should have been announced before any foreign awards because the documentary subject is so important for our society.
How can we as a nation even allow acid attacks to happen in our country ? There should be capital punishment for committing such attacks with no course for appeal.
Kudos to Sharmeen for not only making the documentary but winning an award as well.
Recommend
Always remember they wont give you Oscar for your good projects surely they will give oscar to India or Pakistan when India shows their slums and when we show our burning faces its not that they recognize our talent…
Recommend
@ashish:
Righly said my neighbor. Very very rightly said! +1000
Recommend
We are really on you. God Bless you on every walks of life. Get more achievements for Pakistan.
Recommend
Congratulations!!!!Recommend
She is truly an inspiration…so proud!!
Recommend
we are proud of you :)
Recommend
Good News @Lubna:
Recommend
No doubt very many congratulations to Sharmeen Obaid and her codirector , It is proposed that the film may be shown in all cinemas of Pakistan before screening the commercial film for some time . Let cinema goers in Pakistan experience the agony of the victim of this heinous crime and horrendous act .
Recommend
Not trying to be a naysayer but abuse against women is widespread in this part of the world. Acid attacks on women are not exclusive to Pakistan and also occur in India over caste disputes as well as Bangladesh. I am glad that a Pakistani won an oscar but I personally feel that a documentary that sentimentalizes abuse of women is hardly a worthy candidate.
Recommend
this is szabisssssssssssssssssssttttttttttttttttttt
Recommend
Well done. When can we see you in India? We need you too.
Recommend
@Faizan Haq:
I agree – The West is always stereotyping nationalities.
I am actually wondering now that this documentary won an Oscar, it might give ideas to sick /mentally ill people around the world how to harm women. Buying acid is inexpensive, but the damamge that can be done to a woman takes money and years to repair. Could the number of acid attacks on women rise now that this documentary won an Oscar? Maybe some sick minds that never even thought about throwing acid on a woman will now consider this as a means of abuse?
Nonetheless, May Almighty Allah provide protection to the women of our South Asian subcontinent and the rest of the world, so that no woman has to suffer they way the women in this documentary have suffered.
Recommend
The whole nation is proud of you sharmeen.
Recommend
Congrats on this achievement we are proud of her …..
Recommend
Can someone give me a link of the full documentary? It is not available on YouTube.
Recommend