Mother: Caring for 7 Billion

As a producer of Mother: Caring for 7 Billion, I contributed to a groundbreaking documentary that confronts the often-overlooked issue of global overpopulation and its far-reaching impacts. The film intertwines compelling personal narratives with insights from renowned experts to explore how population growth intersects with gender equity, religion, reproductive health, economic inequality, and environmental sustainability.

Central to the documentary are the stories of Beth, an American mother and child-rights advocate from a large Catholic family, and Zinet, a young Ethiopian woman from a family of fourteen. Their experiences highlight the cultural and informational barriers that women face regarding family planning and reproductive rights. Through their journeys, the film emphasizes the transformative power of education and empowerment in addressing population growth and fostering sustainable communities.

Mother: Caring for 7 Billion has been recognized for its insightful and humanistic approach to a complex subject. It has been featured in various film festivals and educational platforms, sparking conversations about the critical need for a cultural shift towards valuing diversity, human rights, and environmental stewardship.

Saving Face

As a producer of Saving Face, I contributed to a powerful documentary that sheds light on the harrowing practice of acid attacks on women in Pakistan and the courageous efforts to support survivors and enact legislative change. Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Daniel Junge, the film follows London-based Pakistani plastic surgeon Dr. Mohammad Jawad as he returns to his homeland to perform reconstructive surgeries on women disfigured by acid violence. The documentary intimately portrays the journeys of survivors like Zakia and Rukhsana, who, despite enduring unimaginable trauma, strive for justice and healing. Their resilience is complemented by the advocacy of individuals such as politician Marvi Memon, who campaigns for stricter laws against acid attacks, reflecting a society grappling with deep-seated gender-based violence.

Saving Face received critical acclaim, winning the 2012 Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) and an Emmy Award for Best Documentary. The film not only brought international attention to the plight of acid attack victims but also spurred legislative reforms in Pakistan, including the passage of laws imposing harsher penalties on perpetrators. By highlighting both the personal and systemic challenges faced by survivors, Saving Face serves as a catalyst for change, inspiring ongoing efforts to eradicate acid violence and support those affected.

Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds

As a producer of Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds, I contributed to a compelling documentary that delves into the critical role seeds play in sustaining life and the alarming threats to their diversity and accessibility. The film highlights how, over the past century, seeds have transitioned from a shared communal resource to proprietary assets controlled by corporations, raising concerns about biodiversity and food security.

Directed by Sean Kaminsky, the documentary features a diverse group of individuals deeply connected to seeds, including farmers, renegade gardeners, passionate seed savers, artists, and activists. Notably, the film includes insights from Ira Wallace, a renowned gardener, author, and manager of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, who emphasizes the importance of preserving heirloom and open-pollinated seeds to maintain agricultural diversity. Wikipedia

Open Sesame has been praised for its timely and emotionally engaging narrative, illuminating the stakes involved and actions that can be taken to protect the source of nearly all our food: seeds. The film has been featured in various film festivals and educational platforms, fostering discussions about seed sovereignty, sustainable agriculture, and the impact of corporate control over seed genetics.