Documentary The Asifa Bano Story, produced by AVA Production and DRM INC, and directed by the renowned filmmaker Mina Jafri Malik, premiered at an exclusive screening event at a local hotel in Karachi. The documentary shed light on the devastating reality of child abuse, focusing on the tragic case of Asifa Bano, a true story which took place in 2018, an eight-year-old nomad girl in Azad Kashmir who was kidnapped, raped and brutally murdered by the kidnappers. It serves as a powerful call to action, urging society to confront child abuse and protect the most vulnerable.

Through a sensitive yet stark portrayal of Asifa’s story, the film sparked dialogue on child protection and the need for systemic reforms. Critically acclaimed, it has won prestigious awards, including Best Social Justice Short Film at the CANNES Film Festival and Winner of the Rome International Movie Awards, garnering over 24 awards for its impact and storytelling.

After the screening, a panel discussion featuring child rights advocates, legal experts, psychologists and representatives from DRM INC, discussed the importance of child abuse prevention and the necessary legal and social frameworks for child protection. The audience also had the opportunity to engage with the panel in a Q&A session.

Mina Jafri Malik, a director celebrated for her commitment to social justice issues, shed light on the grim realities many children face. This documentary follows her dedication to raising awareness about human rights abuses through compelling storytelling.

The launch event organized by Pomme Gohar of Phenomena, was part of the programme’s broader initiative to address social and child abuse incidents through media and advocacy. The event provided a platform for stakeholders from various sectors to engage with the critical issue of child abuse in Pakistan and beyond.

Mina Jafri Malik Says….

What was the purpose of making this documentary?

The filmmaker says that the story was very close to her heart. “It’s about little Asifa and every young girl who has suffered abuse,” she explains. Driven by a deep sense of purpose, she hopes to highlight powerful stories of human rights through her films, challenging policymakers and law enforcement agencies to take swift action and ensure such heinous crimes never go unpunished.

She explains that she went through a lot of challenges during the production of this documentary. “Creating this documentary was no small feat, particularly as the production unfolded at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. We had to gather a lot of the footage remotely,” she explains, underscoring the dedication and resourcefulness of her team to bring these untold stories to life despite unprecedented obstacles.