Majority of the filmmakers or actors go through their entire careers but remain unable to grab an Academy Award. Some of them even failed to be nominated for the awards. But Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy on Sunday became the first Pakistani to win two Oscar awards.
She won this time for her documentary A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness which highlights the serious issue of honor killing in the country. Her first Oscar in 2012 was for Saving Face, a film about the survivors of acid attacks. In her acceptance speech Ms Obaid-Chinoy thanked a range of people who had made the Oscar possible, including those “strong women” who stood against the practice, but a hard road lies ahead.
It is a dilemma that some are bashing her on social media for winning the award after highlighting the bad image of the country. It is their myopia to look at the bigger picture. Issues like honor killing and throwing acid on females are happening in the country. The real culprits are the ones who are committing the crimes not the ones who are highlighting the issue.
It is a good omen that Prime Minister of Pakistan has congratulated the filmmaker and has promised to amend the legislation in order to counter the violence against women. He also said that there is no honor in honor killing. Such gesture would promote the sentiments to strengthen the legislation to empower women in our society.
The film should be dubbed with subtitles into the national language and media houses should make room for it so millions could watch it.
Indeed there is no honor in honor killings.