The 2012 Best Short Subject Documentary Oscar winner will be screened at the Gryphon Theater
on Oct. 2. “Saving Face” takes an in-depth look into the lives of Pakistani women who have survived acid attacks.
“The topic is definitely very sobering, and people may feel squeamish about attending simply due to the subject matter,” Bonnie Zare, associate professor for the gender and women’s studies program, said.
The film aims to shed light on the prevalence of acid attacks in Pakistan in three parts. The first part introduces the survivors of attacks. Next, it follows a London doctor who returns to Pakistan. Finally, it helps audiences contemplate humans’ preoccupation with physical appearance, with “looks-ism” and beauty standards, Zare said.
The film hopes to help viewers understand this often overlooked act of violence and audiences should learn a lot from attending.
Although most documentaries do not have the power to change laws directly, they do have the power to educate the public.
“The more people become aware, the more they can speak out, take action, give monetary contributions, et cetera. The magic of a documentary is that many more people will see it and remember it, in comparison, for instance, with a lecture or an informational flyer,” Zare said.
The film takes place in Pakistan, but it is not the only country where acid attacks are prevalent. The attacks mainly take place in Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, the West Indies and the Middle East, Zare said.
“This film is a powerful vehicle for helping the public contemplate how and why women who express agency may receive horrific consequences,” Zare said.
Acid attacks often result from conflicts. Land and dowry disputes between families may also lead to this act, Zare said. The majority of attacks are usually made by young men who are turned down by women.
Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
made the film. Junge hails from Cheyenne and Obaid-Chinoy is Pakistani. Junge will be introduced before the film by Zare. Junge’s other films include Chiefs, which centers around the Wyoming Indian Basketball team on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Central Wyoming.
The film should last about 40 minutes, after which Junge will be taking questions and comments from the audience.
