Author: Esra Faisal Khan
Abstract
This paper discusses the cinematic portrayal of violence against women in Pakistan, looking specifically at Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Saving Face (2011), filmed in Barakahu and Muzzaffargarh, and A Girl in the River (2015), filmed in Gujranwala. Saving Face tells the stories of acid attack victims and a surgeon, Dr Jawad, who returns to Pakistan to help these victims by performing reconstructive surgeries on their acid caused wounds. A Girl in the River tells the story of a girl called Saba, who is killed for honour and thrown in the river, however, she miraculously survives and tells her tale. The paper analyses Sharmeen’s intent and the reforms brought about through these two films. It then discusses the common themes of violence against women, beauty and women empowerment, in both the films. It also looks at how the story is conveyed through the form of a narrative analysis. It, lastly, looks at how the recurring themes are documented through the films by focusing on cinematography i.e. use of colours, sounds, shot durations and angles, mise-en-scène etc. to support the narrative and thematic analysis.
Keywords
Documentary Film, Pakistani Cinema, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Gender in Pakistan, Gender-based Violence
