With good news relating to Pakistan scarce to come by, the nation basked in the spotlight that fell on documentary film maker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, who on Monday morning became the country's first Oscar awardee.
Though there was none of the boisterous celebration accompanying a cricket match win, Ms. Chinoy was the toast of the day and she held the headlines even through a bomb blast left seven dead even as a chief minister narrowly escaped the attack.
As she walked up the red carpet to collect her award for Saving Face — a documentary on acid victims — in a designer outfit deliberately selected to showcase Pakistan's fashion industry, Ms. Chinoy began trending on social networking websites. And, the ‘ghairat brigade' (honour brigade) — who would be inclined to dismiss the film as an attempt to show Pakistan in poor light — appeared to have been silenced by the moment.
“This is as good as winning the World Cup 20 years ago!” said one twitterati even as people began sharing the video clip of her short acceptance speech. It was emailed across the country, posted on websites, tweeted and repeatedly aired on television.
Acceptance speech
Her acceptance speech, like her work, was sans frills. There was none of the usual thanking the whole world and its uncle. Instead, she dedicated it “to all the heroes working on the ground in Pakistan, including Dr. Mohammad Jawad who is here with us today. The plastic surgeon working on rehabilitating all these women. Ruksana and Zakia who are our main subjects of the film, whose resilience and bravery in the face of such adversity is admirable. And to all the women of Pakistan who are working for change, don't give up on your dreams. This is for you.”
Congratulations began to pour in; prominent being the United States diplomatic mission in Pakistan. Not just its embassy in Islamabad but also consulates in Lahore and Karachi were posting congratulatory messages. In fact, the mission has been vocally expressing support for her on social networking sites from last evening as the run-up to the awards began.
Achievement lauded
From the President downwards, Ms. Chinoy's achievement was lauded and the government announced the decision to confer a high civil award on her, but did not specify which one. Copywriters had a busy day, but first off the mark seemed to be the predominantly chicken-serving restaurant chain “Nando's,” which put out an advertisement saying “From one chick to another: Thanks for Saving our Face.”
As for Ms. Chinoy, she remained tuned to her nation via Twitter — beginning the “morning of Oscar day” by saying “Im proud to represent Pakistan on such a global stage — there r many stories yet 2 be told win or lose I will be bk.” And, after the usual round of thanks and the celebrations, she signed out in the evening (local time) with a “Good night Pakistan. Everyone after the Oscars came & said good things about my country 2 me! Jinnah would have been proud!”
Keywords: Saving Face, Best Documentary Oscar, 84th Academy Awards
I am so happy that Sharmeen has done commendable work on an issue that
prevails almost every where;Violence against women.She has won the
prestigious award which makes every Pakistani equally proud.
Congratulations Sharmeen! Keep on doing the good work - there are just a handful of movies which have thematic sense these days. Congratulations to Pakistan for their first Oscar! Gandhi and Jinnah both would have been proud.
Congratulations! You are doing important work. All the best to you!
At least a good news for Pakistan other than cricket and tennis. This is the true Pakistan, world must know. Even though the topic is very sad but women are subject to violence everywhere in the world. One has to be brave and admit it. Sharmeen is an inspiration for all of us that we can perform even in such adverse situations. Bravo!!
Congratulations to Daniel Jung & Sharmeen Chinoy & every person who has
been part of this story. Its time to draw lessons from these type of
incidents and step forward against violence against women in whole world.
Kudos to the creative people involved in this film! But let us not make it sound as if the Oscar is some sort of objective measure for film makers from all over the world. The Oscar is just an American award, and to talk about Pakistan's "maiden" Oscar is like saying the Oscar should be on every film artist's list of goals to reach. The recognition is good, but Pakistan must have thousands of great works of art that do not get recognition of any sort. Let's hope that changes.
Congratulations to both...It is nice that Pakistan won Oscar award. In
fact such more initiatives should take place in that country from music,
economy, education to all other important arenas of life which will
ultimately transform the present 'theocratic' 'quasi modern', 'military
stricken' state to secular and plural state. This should happen which
helps in establishing permanent peace and stability in sub continent.
congratulation,after a long time such a great news come from pakistan
Thank you and congratulations Daniel Jung and Sharmeen Chinoy for sharing the story of human burning embers to the world.
You are a brave person Sharmeen to tackle this subject in Pakistan and bringing the plight of these women persecuted in the name of honor to world stage. Congratulations..!
Congratulation Sharmeen.It's pleasant to hear a pakistani woman did
this. Keep it going.Best wishes!
It not a real victory for Sharmeen, rather its all win for those who are victims of acid burns.
Tariq Mureed, Islamabad.
its a great honour for me as a pakisatani. We love you, carry on
So proud of her as a Pakistani and a Pakistani woman more importantly...
It is a great honour for Pakistani Art loving community. Keep on striving for this till you achieve your goal. Best of Luck to Sharmeen.
It is a Good source of constructive information.
Sharmeen,Well Done
oh I am really exited to watch this doc.movie .
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