Close X
Thursday, September 19, 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

    How Charlie Sheen's Disclosure Led To Surge In HIV Coverage

    How Charlie Sheen's Disclosure Led To Surge In HIV Coverage
    Soon after the disclosure by actor Charlie Sheen on TV that he was HIV-positive, there has been a surge in both news coverage of HIV and Google searches for information about HIV and HIV prevention, a new study has found.

    How Charlie Sheen's Disclosure Led To Surge In HIV Coverage

    Demi Lovato clarifies criticism for Taylor Swift

    Demi Lovato clarifies criticism for Taylor Swift
    Lovato on Sunday tweeted a message that could be construed as critical of Swift.

    Demi Lovato clarifies criticism for Taylor Swift

    'The Revenant' to release in India without cuts

    'The Revenant' to release in India without cuts
    Leonardo DiCaprio-starrer “The Revenant”, which releases in India on Friday, has been passed with an A certificate and without cuts by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

    'The Revenant' to release in India without cuts

    Demi Lovato Talks About Women Empowerment

    "Happens way too often. I'm ready for women to be taken just as seriously as men," she added. 

    Demi Lovato Talks About Women Empowerment

    It's a wrap for Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor starrer 'Baaghi'

    It's a wrap for Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor starrer 'Baaghi'
    Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor, who will be seen sharing screen space for the first time in upcoming film “Baaghi”, have wrapped up shooting of the Sabbir Khan directorial.

    It's a wrap for Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor starrer 'Baaghi'

    Khloe Kardashian Reveals She Lost Her Virginity At 15 During Confessions Game With Sister Kourtney

    Khloe Kardashian Reveals She Lost Her Virginity At 15 During Confessions Game With Sister Kourtney
    While playing the game of "Know Thy Sister" for her website kourtneykardashian.com, Khloe confessed about her sexual life.

    Khloe Kardashian Reveals She Lost Her Virginity At 15 During Confessions Game With Sister Kourtney