Two-time Academy Award winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and her production house, SOC Films, have announced the release of their latest initiative, Facets of Hate Speech. This five-part YouTube series aims to ignite meaningful conversations about the pervasive issue of hate speech in Pakistan. The first film in the series will premiere on January 13, with subsequent releases scheduled daily through January 17.
The series features commentary from activists, experts, and officials on critical topics such as cyber harassment, backlash against women’s rights movements, blasphemy laws, and discrimination against marginalized communities.
“Confronting a Deeply Rooted Threat”
In a statement, Obaid-Chinoy underscored the urgency of addressing hate speech in Pakistan.
“This campaign is a crucial step in confronting the grave threat of hate speech, which has deeply woven itself into the fabric of Pakistani society—an alarming reality that challenges the future we envision for our country,” she said.
She emphasized how hate speech fosters intolerance, discrimination, and violence, silencing dissent and undermining human rights. The series, she added, is a platform to amplify the voices of victims and advocates while inspiring collective action for a more inclusive and tolerant society.
Film 1: Cyber Harassment and Its Devastating Impact
The first film, releasing on January 13, will examine the rise of cyber harassment in Pakistan. It highlights the severe repercussions for women and emphasizes the need for stronger legal protections and improved online safety measures.
Film 2: Backlash Against the Aurat March
On January 14, the second film will explore the opposition faced by Pakistan’s Aurat March, a powerful women’s rights movement. The film delves into the challenges faced by activists advocating for gender equality.
Film 3: The Perils of Blasphemy Laws
The third installment, debuting on January 15, focuses on Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws. It recounts the tragic case of Rashid Rehman, a lawyer murdered for defending a blasphemy-accused client, and sheds light on the immense risks faced by human rights defenders in these sensitive cases.
Films 4 & 5: Hate Speech and Mob Violence
The fourth film, set for release on January 16, will address hate speech targeting Pakistan’s transgender community, while the final film, premiering on January 17, examines the troubling phenomenon of mob violence.
The last film specifically focuses on the tragic lynching of Priyantha Kumara, a Sri Lankan factory manager killed in Sialkot, investigating the root causes of the violence and the role of hate speech in fueling such incidents.
A Legacy of Social Impact
Obaid-Chinoy, renowned for her impactful documentaries, won her first Oscar in 2012 for Saving Face, a film about survivors of acid attacks. In 2016, she won another Academy Award for A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness, which addressed honor killings in Pakistan.
In 2023, Obaid-Chinoy was announced as the director of an upcoming Star Wars film, set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, featuring Daisy Ridley reprising her role as Rey.
With Facets of Hate Speech, Obaid-Chinoy continues her commitment to shedding light on pressing social issues, fostering dialogue, and driving change.
