Close X
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
ADVT 
Hollywood

I Want My Films To Initiate Social Change: Pakistan's Oscar Winner Sharmeen Obaid-chinoy

Darpan News Desk IANS, 14 Mar, 2016 12:47 PM
    A proud winner of two Oscars, Pakistan's celebrated filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy says for her a "bigger accomplishment" is the fact that her films prompt dialogue for social change.
     
    Her latest Academy Award winning movie "A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness" -- on honour killings in Pakistan -- which won laurels in the Documentary (Short Subject) category at the prestigious gala last month, turned out to be a wake-up call for the Pakistan government.
     
    As the film made headlines across the globe with its Academy Award nomination, and later win, it was screened for the country's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who endorsed his support in helping to end honour killings in the country.
     
    "He asked his team to redraft laws on honour killings to help ensure that perpetrators are punished and victims are protected. The possibility of having new legislation that protects the women of Pakistan reaffirms my belief that this form of storytelling is enough to bring about change," Obaid-Chinoy told IANS in an interview from Karachi.
     
     
    The filmmaker believes that films have "a way of revealing the core of an issue that might otherwise be seen as a mere headline or statistic".
     
    "I want my films to serve as vessels of information that connect audiences, prompt dialogue, and initiate social change. I view my films as active stories that come to life when they are viewed and discussed - the film is often times just the first step in a larger and fruitful conversation.
     
    "I have always maintained that for me, the biggest accomplishment is when my films are used by non-profits and activists to create social awareness and raise funds for marginalised individuals," said the documentary maker, who first won the Oscar for her 2012 movie "Saving Face" on women acid attack victims.
     
     
    Obaid-Chinoy pointed out how a number of the refugees featured in her film "Iraq: The Lost Generation" -- about Iraqi refugees in Syria and Jordan -- were granted asylum afterwards; and how her film "City of Guilt", which focussed on clandestine abortions in the Philippines, was picked up by a person who lobbied the government for increased access to contraceptives for women.
     
    Yet, she felt she was "the dark horse" at the Oscars this year.
     
    "I wasn't expecting to win - but it felt great to win because of the issue we were highlighting."
     
    While Pakistan is re-establishing its film industry, in that scenario, what does it mean to be bringing back home an Oscar for the second time?
     
     
    "The Pakistani film industry is beginning to slowly stand on its own two feet. Filmmakers are experimenting with style and form and we are slowly starting to carve out a place for ourselves in the international sphere.
     
    "Bringing home an Oscar is testament to the fact that it doesn't matter where you come from, if you do good work it will be appreciated worldwide - and there is no lack of talent in Pakistan."

    MORE Hollywood ARTICLES

    Kris Jenner Praises Kourtney Kardashian For Split

    Kris Jenner Praises Kourtney Kardashian For Split
    Reality TV personality Kylie Jenner has praised her eldest daughter Kourtney Kardashian for having the strength to put her children before her relationship with their father Scott Disick.

    Kris Jenner Praises Kourtney Kardashian For Split

    Kylie Jenner Having Montreal Birthday Party Complete With Multi-tiered Cake

    Kylie Jenner Having Montreal Birthday Party Complete With Multi-tiered Cake
    Although Jenner officially turned 18 on Monday, she'll be in Montreal on Sunday for a paid appearance at a birthday party at the Beachclub just northwest of the city in nearby Pointe-Calumet.

    Kylie Jenner Having Montreal Birthday Party Complete With Multi-tiered Cake

    James Bond's New 'Spectre' Omega Watch Out

    James Bond's New 'Spectre' Omega Watch Out
    The new James Bond watch is here! International film star Daniel Craig, who reprises the popular fictional spy in the new installment "Spectre", on Friday inaugurated the Omega factory in Villeret,

    James Bond's New 'Spectre' Omega Watch Out

    FDA Says Kim Kardashian's Social Media Posts For Morning-Sickness Drug Violate Promotion Rules

    FDA Says Kim Kardashian's Social Media Posts For Morning-Sickness Drug Violate Promotion Rules
    Reality TV star Kim Kardashian is no stranger to criticism, having spent the better part of the last decade in the public eye. 

    FDA Says Kim Kardashian's Social Media Posts For Morning-Sickness Drug Violate Promotion Rules

    Kim Kardashian Celebrates 42 Million Instagram Followers With Raunchy Image

    Kim Kardashian Celebrates 42 Million Instagram Followers With Raunchy Image
    Reality TV star Kim Kardashian has amassed 42 million followers on photo-sharing platform Instagram. She celebrated the number by sharing a racy photograph showing her cleavage, with her fans.

    Kim Kardashian Celebrates 42 Million Instagram Followers With Raunchy Image

    Money Isn't Everything For Miley Cyrus

    Pop star Miley Cyrus has blasted those in the music industry, who she feels, are after money and do not care about making good music. 

    Money Isn't Everything For Miley Cyrus