Mukhtar Mai's Story Becomes a Film, But She's Still Waiting for Justice

The Female Gaze post by Tammy Oler, February 10, 2009 - 11:18pm; tagged Jay Roach, Katia Lund, Mukhtar Mai, Pakistan, Sexual Violence.
Mukhtar MaiMany of you have heard of Mukhtar Mai, a Pakistani woman who was gang raped in 2002 as revenge for an honor crime, an act that was authorized by her village elders.  Mukhtar spoke out about the crime and prosecuted her attackers - and won.  That is, until an appeals court overturned the convictions.  Mukhtar has been waging a legal battle in Pakistan in the years since, and, as a result, her safety has been constantly in jeopardy.  Despite that, she started the Mukhtar Mai Women's Welfare Organization to help support and education Pakistani women and girls, and has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights. 

Her story was included in the 2006 documentary Land, Gold and Women.  Now her story will be the subject of a feature film, too.  However, she still hasn't gotten justice in her legal battle.

Variety reports that Jay Roach (suprisingly enough, the very same Jay Roach who produced Borat, Meet the Parents and Austin Powers) and Jennifer Perini are producing a big screen adaptation of Mukhtar's story.  In addition to the really great news that this film is being made, it looks like Katia Lund will be writing and directing it.  Katia Lund was the co-director of 2002's City of God (and was snubbed for an Academy Award nomination as co-director that year).  This film will likely only show up on a few screens across the country, but it's very exciting news that it's in development (and being covered in Variety).

Yet, we're still waiting for Mukhtar to get the justice she deserves.  On Friday, Vital Voices posted an update on Mukhtar, and noted that her case may finally be heard by the Pakistan Supreme Court in the coming days.  Mukhtar held a press conference on Friday about the pressure she's receiving from the government to withdraw her charges.  Vital Voices has a call to action about this, and is looking for folks to write the Pakistani Ambassador to the United States in support of a fair trial. 

We will soon have an opportunity to support a woman writer and filmmaker with a very important film, but right now we can support Mukhtar Mai.

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Comments

5 comments have been made. Post a comment.

The Pakistan destiny

Posted by nickomario on June 21, 2009 - 11:49pm

Thus members of Pakistan "Taliban" grasped hostages, purposefully pursued and killed civilians, and also made certificates of violence over women and girls.

I don't know about this but

Posted by msmith on November 2, 2009 - 9:41am

I don't know about this but poor women there, I hope justice will come to her!

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What are the facts of story?

Posted by search engine optimization (not verified) on July 24, 2009 - 4:56am

Mukhtar Mai came to prominence in June 2002, when journalists in Pakistan first learned of her gang rape, punishment for an 'honour crime' allegedly committed by her brother, an offence for which there was never any proof. After the horrific rape, custom dictated that she would kill herself. But Mai defied custom. In an unprecedented act of courage, she took her rapists to court. Mukhtar Mai pitted herself against the system with extraordinary courage and strength of purpose. Timely and topical, In the Name of Honour is the inspirational true story of a woman who fought and triumphed against exceptional odds. 'It is because of the support of the world that I feel brave' Mukhtar Mai

Justice

Posted by internet phone service (not verified) on July 24, 2009 - 5:07am

In 2002, the world erupted in condemnation of an alleged gang-rape of a Pakistani village woman, reportedly on the orders of an informal tribal council, to atone for a crime her teenage brother was accused of. Before any investigation, the Pakistan government paid the woman more than 8000 dollars in compensation and fast-tracked her trial. Within three months of the incident, six men were sentenced to hang. The High court later acquitted five of the men and upheld the conviction of one. But as worldwide wrath again engulfed Pakistan, they were thrown back into jail three days later. Eight other freed at the original trial were also sought out and imprisoned. More than five years since the alleged crime, 13 men acquitted by the courts remain behind bars. The 14th man in jail is the only one who had been found guilty. For the first time, the evidence underlying the case that shook the world is scrutinized by Pakistan-based journalist Bronwyn Curran, one of the first to report on the alleged gang-rape when the compelling tale first emerged. Into The Mirror explores the ways of the tribes as it weaves through Pakistan.

great

Posted by Panic Attacks (not verified) on September 11, 2009 - 11:18am

very nice post thanks!! i like it