Saving Face, Oscar winning Best Documentary Short, documents the disturbing phenomenon of acid violence. Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Daniel Junge the film profiles two survivors struggling to come to terms with their attacks and to rebuild their lives. The role played by Islamic Help and by the Acid Survivors Foundation Pakistan is highlighted by the film as is the work of Dr Muhammad Ali Jawad, the British Pakistani Plastic Surgeon who worked for Islamic Help to treat survivors of acid violence.



Acid violence is a worldwide phenomenon and is practiced in numerous countries. In many countries acid is readily available and forms the weapon of choice for perpetrators that want to disfigure and maim but not kill their victims. A form of gender based violence the crime affects women disproportionately. Whilst the reasons for attacks vary according to the country and context in which the attacks are carried out land disputes, business disputes and dowry disputes feature amongst them. However, a large number of attacks are carried out within the domestic context and it is often husbands or unsuccessful suitors that organise or perpetrate the attacks.

Islamic Help has been working with survivors of acid attacks since 2005 and has partnered with various organisations including the Indus Hospital in Karachi, PIMS in Islamabad and ASTI, the Acid Survivors Trust International to provide reconstructive surgery and treatment to survivors. We also provide rehabilitative support to get survivors back on their feet. Islamic Help will be partnering ASTI in several countries, including Uganda, Nepal, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Saving Face will be airing on HBO and Channel 4 in March 2012. Congratulations to Daniel Junge, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Dr Muhammad Ali Jawad, HBO, Channel 4, Kamran Fazil and the whole Islamic Help team on this momentous win! Thank you to everyone involved in the production of Saving Face and to the trustees, staff and volunteers of Isalmic Help that have been working tirelessly on this issue. Lastly thank you to all our donors for their belief in the cause and the work.

"This is a truly momentous achievement and we want to congratulate and thank Daniel, Sharmeen, Dr Jawad and all those involved in the making of this film. They are all truly visionary people and it’s great to see their dedication and hard work receive the recognition it deserves. We would also like to thank all those that have supported our work with survivors of acid attacks and know that Saving Face will go a long way to addressing the issue." Kamran Fazil, Director of International Development.

To learn more about the film click here

The Human Rights Film Festival will be screening Saving Face on the 28 March 2012 and 29th March2012 at different venues in London to learn more click here