Historic Oscar win for Pakistani-Canadian filmmaker

Pakistani documentarian Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s film “Saving Face” about acid attack victims has won an Oscar award at Academy Awards yesterday. Accepting the award, Obaid-Chinoy, dedicated it to the courageous women of Pakistan. “All the women in Pakistan working for change, don’t give up on your dreams, this is for you,” she said, holding up the award statuette.

CONTENT CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISING

President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday felicitated Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy on winning the first-ever Oscar award for Pakistan on her documentary ‘Saving Face’. The President in a message appreciated Sharmeen Obaid 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 Sharmeen for bringing laurels to the country by excelling in film-making and sending a message to the world about Pakistan’s softer image.
Obaid-Chinoy, in a Pakistani dress tailored by female designers, also paid tributes to all the heroes working on the ground in Pakistan including Pakistani-British plastic surgeon Mohammad Jawad, who was also present at the ceremony hosted by actor comedian Billy Crystal.
“Saving Face” tells the story of Dr. Jawad, who traveled to Pakistan to treat acid attack victims. It is the first time that a Pakistani documentary was nominated by the Academy and subsequently won the coveted award.