Daily Times

Karachi, October 25, 2024 – The Asifa Bano Story, a much-anticipated documentary produced by AVA Production and DRM INC and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mina Jafri Malik, premiered in an exclusive screening event at Movenpick Hotel, Karachi. Organized by Pomme Gohar of Phenomena, the event attracted advocates, legal experts, and child rights activists.

The documentary confronts the tragic reality of child abuse, focusing on Asifa Bano’s story as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities children face. Malik’s film combines sensitive storytelling with an urgent call to action, demanding societal and legal reforms to better protect children. Already critically lauded, The Asifa Bano Story has won over 24 awards, including Best Social Justice Short Film at the CANNES Film Festival and an accolade at the Rome International Movie Awards.

Following the screening, a panel discussion engaged child rights advocates, psychologists, and legal experts, emphasizing the need for stronger protections and supportive frameworks for abuse victims. The audience also took part in a Q&A session, contributing to the growing discourse on child protection.

Mina Jafri Malik, known for her dedication to social justice, collaborated with DRM INC and AVA Production to bring these urgent issues to light. The launch event, managed by Phenomena, is part of a broader initiative using media to drive social awareness on child abuse in Pakistan and beyond.