Home / Arts and Entertainment / Acclaimed Producer Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Boosts Oscar Hopes for Pakistani Short Film on Child Harassment
Acclaimed Producer Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Boosts Oscar Hopes for Pakistani Short Film on Child Harassment
13 Oct
Summary
- Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, two-time Oscar winner, joins as executive producer on short film "Don't Be Late, Myra"
- Film centers on 10-year-old Myra's dangerous walk home alone in Lahore, highlighting threats children face
- Director Afia Nathaniel's project has already won top honors at international film festivals
In a significant boost to its Oscar campaign, the short film "Don't Be Late, Myra" has secured acclaimed filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy as its executive producer. The two-time Academy Award winner's involvement is expected to raise the profile of the project, which centers on the harrowing experiences of a 10-year-old girl navigating the streets of Lahore alone.
Directed by Pakistani-American filmmaker Afia Nathaniel, the short film follows young Myra as she faces a series of threats during her increasingly dangerous walk home from school. Drawing from her own experiences as a survivor, Nathaniel tackles the often-unspoken issue of child harassment head-on, giving voice to the fears that many young girls know all too well.
Obaid-Chinoy, who has also won two Emmys and directed Marvel's "Ms. Marvel," praised the film's urgency and relevance. "Myra's story is both urgent and real," she said. "'Don't Be Late, Myra' gives voice to the fears every young girl knows too well, while celebrating the courage it takes to survive and to be heard."
The short film has already claimed top honors at the Bergen International Film Festival of NJ and the Montreal International Film Festival, further bolstering its Oscar qualification. With Obaid-Chinoy's backing, the project is poised to reach a wider audience and shine a spotlight on the critical issue of child safety in public spaces.
