Freedom Fighters

PRESENTED BY THE CENTER FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

Pakistan routinely is ranked among the most dangerous countries for women. Much of the nation is extremely conservative, with women often subjected to violence at the hands of men. Repercussions are minimal, and more than half of Pakistani women who experience violence say nothing out of shame and fear. Freedom Fighters follows three brave women who are speaking out against inequality and pushing for equal rights in their country.

The short film interweaves the stories of Tabassum Adnan, Saima Sharif and Syeda Ghulam Fatima as they strive to create a more just country for their fellow citizens. Adnan was sold as a child bride but eventually gained her freedom and now seeks justice for abused women also trapped in marriages with a historic female “jirga,” a gathering of influential elders who make decisions on cases brought by members of the community. Sharif is the only woman in her village to have joined the police force. In the wake of the death of her brother, who also was a police officer, she joins the Elite Force, an antiterrorism unit that assists the police. Fatima works to eradicate bonded labor and child labor, especially within the brick kiln industry. She has helped to free an estimated 80,000 people from slavery.

Each woman faces personal risk for her chosen path, but none waver in the face of adversity. Verite sequences and 2D animation help to tell the stories of these powerful women and the victims they have helped in their journey to challenge the status quo.

FILMMAKER'S BIO: Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is a two-time Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker. She has made more than a dozen films in over 10 countries. Her film, "A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness," which she directed for HBO, won the 2016 Academy Award for best documentary short subject and prompted Pakistan's parliament to pass a bill banning honor killing. "Saving Face," which she directed and produced with Daniel Junge for HBO, won the 2012 Academy Award for best documentary short subject. In 2012, Time magazine included her in its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

FILMMAKER'S STATEMENT: "I have always been interested in topics about human rights and women's issues that many people find controversial. I choose to film subjects that spark difficult conversations and make people uncomfortable. Change only comes about when people are forces to discuss an issue."

— Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

Preview link available upon request. Contact support@videoproject for more information

A Film by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

33 minutes

Scene Selection • Closed Captioned

Grades 10 - Adult

Item #: FFS-1146

Three brave women fight for justice and equal rights in Pakistan, the third most dangerous country in the world for women.

Starting at $79

Licensing Options

K-12 Schools, Public Libraries, Non-Profits - $79 K-12 DVD + Digital File - $129 Colleges, Businesses, Other Institutions: DVD - $199 Colleges (DVD with Digital Site License) - $299

The item you are trying to purchase is currently out of stock.
Please enter your name, email, and phone number below.
We will contact you as soon as this product is available.

Name: *

Email: *

Phone: *

Verification: *

Type the word above...

Reviews and Festivals

NOMINATED

Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards, Best Feature Story in a News Magazine

WINNER

Tallgrass Film Festival, Audience Award, Best Short Documentary

OFFICIAL SELECTION

Santa Cruz Film Festival

London International Documentary Festival

Asian American International Film Festival

United Nations Association Film Festival

Asian Film Festival of Dallas

Item In Cart

Afghanistan Through Women's Eyes

Starting at $85

Select Options

Item In Cart

Arise - Women Healing the Environment

Starting at $89

Select Options

Item In Cart

Nellie Bly Makes the News

Starting at $79

Select Options

Item In Cart

To Empower Women: The Beijing Platform for Action

Starting at $79

Select Options

Item In Cart

The Terrorist Hunter

Starting at $79

Select Options

Item In Cart

Voting Matters

Starting at $79

Select Options

Freedom Fighters

Select License (limited Public Performance Rights included)

Reviews and Festivals

related films

related subjects

Sign Up to Receive News & Updates

Lists*