Watch A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness

A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness is a powerful and moving documentary film from 2015 that tells the story of a young woman in Pakistan who survived an attempted honor killing. The movie was directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, a Pakistani filmmaker and activist, and won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject in 2016.

The film follows the story of Saba, a 19-year-old girl from a small village in Punjab, Pakistan, who fell in love with a man named Qaiser. Their relationship was opposed by Saba's father and uncle, who saw it as a threat to their family's honor. After they tried and failed to convince Saba to end the relationship, the two men lured her to a remote location and shot her in the head, leaving her for dead in a river. Miraculously, Saba survived the attack and was rescued by a passerby, who took her to the hospital.

The film explores Saba's journey to recovery and her search for justice, as she works with her family and the police to bring her attackers to trial. It also delves into the broader issue of honor killings in Pakistan, a practice that is still widespread in many parts of the country, despite being illegal. Through interviews with experts, activists, and survivors, the film shines a light on the social norms and cultural beliefs that fuel this violence against women.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is its portrayal of Saba's resilience and courage. Despite the trauma she has endured, Saba refuses to be silenced or ignored. She speaks out about her experience and the need for change, both in her own community and across Pakistan. Her strength and determination are truly inspiring, and make the film a must-see for anyone interested in women's rights and social justice.

The cinematography and music in the film are also worth noting. The shots of the river and the surrounding landscape are breathtakingly beautiful, serving as a powerful contrast to the horror of the crime. The music, composed by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Peter Gabriel, is haunting and emotional, conveying the depth of Saba's pain and the urgency of her cause.

Overall, A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness is a powerful and timely film that raises important questions about gender, honor, and justice in Pakistan and beyond. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of survivors of violence, as well as to the power of storytelling to bring important issues to light. I highly recommend this film to anyone interested in social justice, gender equity, or documentary filmmaking.

A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.