A Pakistani film that highlights the issue of forced conversions and marriages of minority girls in Pakistan has won the ‘Best Short Documentary on Human Rights award at the Venice Intercultural Film Festival 2023. The film, named ‘Hum Saya (Neighbour)’, produced by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), is a non-governmental organization that works for human rights, democratic development, and social justice in Pakistan.
The film tells the stories of three girls who were abducted, converted, and married against their will. It also shows the dilemma of their families who struggle to get justice and rescue their daughters. The movie tries to spread awareness about the oppression of women’s rights and religious freedom in Pakistan, where minority groups including Sikhs, Christians, and Hindus experience discrimination and oppression.
The film directed by Dawood Murad, who portrays the role of neighbors and friends as the first line of defense for the victims. He also features Lal Chand Malhi, a former parliamentarian and activist, who explains the causes and consequences of forced conversions and marriages in Pakistan.
According to CSJ, 124 cases of forced conversions, child marriages, and forced marriages reported in Pakistan in 2022. Out of these, 59 percent of the girls were minors and 28 percent of their ages not reported. In 2023, 39 cases have already reported by May.
The film ‘Hum Saya’ is one of CSJ’s many research and advocacy projects that focus on marginalized groups in Pakistan. The film hopes to inspire action and change for the protection of human rights and dignity in Pakistan.
A number of locations across the world will host screenings of the movie, including Kellogg College at the University of Oxford on June 16 and Venice, Italy, on June 23, 2023.