Reaction Paper

Saving Face is a documentary that revolves around the acid attack

survivors of Pakistan, particularly two women: Zakia and Rukhsana. It was
directed by Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy in 2012 and has since won two Oscar
awards (Best Documentary and Outstanding Editing: Documentary and
Long Form).
In the first few minutes of the short film, I was already appalled at the
sight of the gruesome consequence of acid on human skin and more so
when I found out that the perpetrators were men, often husbands of the
victims. It is absolutely horrifying to have acid suddenly thrown at you for
reasons too small or none, which is usually the case for most women. In
Pakistan, females are almost always given no importance, their rights are
continuously fought for by activists, and they are subject to brutal attacks
because of this so-called gender subordination. It was only recently that
women’s lives improved compared to the past. But even so, they face much
discrimination and suffer considerably from rape, “honor” killings, abuse,
and acid attacks. As a person from the same gender, I fear for them and I
pray that they receive help and reshape their country into one that lets
them enjoy their freedom and rights. As shown in the film’s ending, they
are already starting to win battles evident in the passing of the bill
concerning acid attackers. It is saddening that even little girls are no
exception from its horrors. The attackers have robbed them not only of
their faces but also their confidence, their futures, and their rights. I myself
could never imagine being subjected to such treatment and it is alarming to
know that there are people out there who are neither afraid nor hesitant in
harming others.
Doctor Mohammad Jawad, the plastic surgeon, is the epitome of
humanity’s kindness. He offered to reconstruct their damaged faces but not
completely revert to their original features as he stated that “[We] are not
God” and that he is only capable of human acts, not divine. It is good to
know that people like him still exist, those who strive hard to save others
from their agony. I am thankful that the Philippines is a country where we
can enjoy our freedom and rights equally. Freedom in the sense that we can
do whatever we want if it is not wrong in any way, but rather pleasing in the
Lord’s watchful gaze.