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Pakistani film The Losing Side, which documents the issue of forced religious conversions in Sindh has won an accolade at the Cannes World Film Festival in the category of Best Human Rights Film for the month of November.
Released under the banner of Jawad Sharif Films, the movie was submitted for the award show some months ago and bagged a nomination by mid-December. Taking to Instagram, Sharif excitedly announced that his movie has now won an accolade. "Such good news on the last day of 2022. Our film The Losing Side has won the Best Human Rights Film Award at Cannes World Film Festival," wrote the director.
According to Jawad Sharif Film's official website, The Losing side recounts the daunting tale of four women – Vahitoo, Simran, Keeran and Reena – who have been "victims of forced conversion and forced marriage." The film follows through the perspective of various activists, politicians and legal experts who help further the "conversation as to why such a barbaric practices continue on a daily basis”.
In the director's statements section, Sharif also revealed the reason behind making this film. He noted, "The alarming and inhumane pattern of forced conversion of Hindu women in Sindh is an issue that has only been talked about in opinions and discourse. While some victims prefer to not come in the spotlight, others are willing to come forward and speak about their experience, if it helps even one other person not go through the same thing."
Shairf further pointed out the necessity for such a film to be made in Pakistan. "It was necessary for us to see this. For us to see that one of the most marginalized and vulnerable communities in our country runs at risk of having their control over their lives swiftly and brutally snatched away by anyone who chooses to do so. These criminals are not only given protection but are celebrated and given markers of respect for these acts of barbarity," he stated.
Sharif also hopes that this documentary would help people picture the plight of these victims and demand authorities to take prompt action. He penned, "No one is free until we all are. I hope that this documentary opens our eyes to push for structural and immediate reform."
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