The Oscar-winning documentary Saving Face will be screened during the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, according to a statement on the website of the film's US-based producers Milkhaus.
Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Daniel Junge, the documentary explores acid attacks on women in Pakistan that leave them horrifically disfigured, often perpetrated by in-laws and spouses.
More than 100 cases surface in the country each year, with many more going unreported. Saving Face focuses on two women, Zakia and Rukhsana, as they attempt to bring their attackers to justice. In the process, Dr Mohammad Jawad, a London-based plastic surgeon with extensive experience in working with burns victims, returns to Pakistan to help the women.
A significant proportion of the film also follows the work of Pakistan's Acid Survivors Foundation and the politician Marvi Menon to push for legislation that will bring acid attackers to justice with life imprisonment sentences.
In her acceptance speech at the Academy Awards, Obaid-Chinoy dedicated the award to "the women of Pakistan working for change".
But controversy around the project has developed since its success. Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported in June that Rukhsana, one of the victims at the centre of the documentary, has accused the filmmakers of not seeing through on promises made before filming.
According to Dawn and other news agencies in Pakistan, Rukhsana filed a complaint with a regional court saying that the filmmakers had promised her a house, 3 million Pakistani rupees (Dh116,400) and plastic surgery as compensation for her appearance in the film.
According to a report in Dawn, Obaid-Chinoy denied the allegations on Twitter, stating that the offer of a house was made by a private donor who had watched the film and insisted on providing shelter for Rukhsana rather than a cash sum that could endanger her life further. Obaid-Chinoy was also reported to say that Rukhsana had turned down offers of reconstructive surgery from Dr Jawad.
The Abu Dhabi Film Festival became part of TwoFour54, Abu Dhabi's media zone authority, in March. TwoFour54 told The National that it can neither confirm or deny that the film is in the programme for this year's festival at this stage. A full line-up will be announced later this month.
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Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Gulf rugby
Who’s won what so far in 2018/19
Western Clubs Champions League: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens: Dubai Hurricanes
West Asia Premiership: Bahrain
What’s left
UAE Conference
March 22, play-offs:
Dubai Hurricanes II v Al Ain Amblers, Jebel Ali Dragons II v Dubai Tigers
March 29, final
UAE Premiership
March 22, play-offs:
Dubai Exiles v Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Dubai Hurricanes
March 29, final
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
