Saving Face – a worthy Oscar winner
From Birmingham Mail.net:
The documentary film ‘Saving Face’ about the work of Birmingham charity Islamic Help and its campaign to treat women injured in acid attacks has won an Oscar.
The film, which charts the work of Balsall Heath-based Islamic Help and its long-running programme treating victims of the devastating attacks, received the prestigious accolade in the short documentary category at the glittering LA ceremony.
It features renowned plastic surgeon Mohammad Ali Jawad who repairs the wounds suffered by women at the hands of jealous partners. Mr Jawad has led teams of doctors on behalf of the charity in performing hundreds of procedures on those in desperate need of surgical help.
Makers Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy turned the spotlight on the charity after seeing a Channel 4 film detailing the surgeon’s work with model Kate Piper, herself an acid attack victim and now Islamic Help’s official ambassador.
A spokesman for the charity said they were overjoyed at the triumphant news.
“This will help raise the global profile of our campaign. It is a remarkable achievement by the film-makers who deserve the award for their fantastic work,” added the charity’s spokesman.
“This is a great platform for us to keep up the good work. Many of us involved with Islamic Help had our fingers crossed throughout the night waiting for news from the ceremony.
“We were all absolutely overjoyed when it was announced that Saving Face had won the Oscar.”
Co-director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy said: “Daniel Junge thought it would be fascinating to see how Dr Jawad’s revolutionary plastic surgery skills could be used.
“Our story shows the audience how a country’s own people can help overcome problems. We hope the documentary will help people understand acid violence.”
Meanwhile, the charity is staging its Four Miles for Smiles fund-raising event at Edgbaston Reservoir on Sunday.
All cash raised from the sponsored walk will go to its Smiles Better campaign that funds the work of Mr Jawad.
Registration fee is £10 for adults and £5 for children. All participants will receive a medal, certificate and T-shirt.
Further details from Umbreen Hussain on 07528 832 759 or email umbreenhussain@islamichelp.org.uk.
