San Diego Asian Film Festival 2008

Every day, horrific world events evade justice. SHAME is the story of a courageous woman who fought back. During the summer of 2002, in a remote village of Pakistan, 33-year-old Mukhtaran Mai's life changed when the village's tribal council sanctioned a punishment against her for a crime allegedly committed by her younger brother. Following the tribal custom of "honor for honor," Mai was gang-raped and then publicly paraded around as an example.

Her family cowered in shame. The village shunned her. Normally the only recourse for such a woman would be suicide. Instead, Mai set out to seek justice and shook the very core of Pakistan's decaying judicial system. In her quest, she endured public scrutiny and exposure to the alien world outside her village, losing friends, family and her life, as she knew it.

Throughout this incredible journey, Mai maintains an astonishing resilience and belief in herself. Journalists may visit less frequently, but her work and the work of women like her - is not yet over. There is still plenty of shame to be faced and conquered.

-Thom Powers

Reception immediately following screening hosted by Project Concern International

Co-presented by:
Amnesty Group 137
Project Concern International
SDSU Women's Resource Center
San Diego Women's Film Festival