outSWING
A Film by Samar Minallah Khan
About
When former professional cricketer Akhtar Zeb invites the students of Mashal Model School to form a cricket team, each of them gets a taste of the freedom and confidence that come from participating in sports. However, they have to weigh the joy of playing against the expectations and deeply held cultural values of their families. Whether in the face of community condemnation or pressure from home, the girls struggle and sacrifice for their right to play.
It’s more than just a game. It’s a match that changes many lives.
FILM CONCEPT
In cricket, an outswing delivery is one that ‘moves away’ from its line of bowling. It has the risk of being declared a wide-ball but it can also change the game.
Just like an outswing delivery, the girls at Mashal School are ready to ‘move away’ from prescribed cultural norms, challenge societal expectations and take on new experiences.
mEET THE DIRECTOR
Samar Minallah Khan is a filmmaker and an anthropologist from Pakistan. Through film and other innovative communication channels, Samar reaches out to various audiences in an effort to amplify the voices of the marginalized and advocate social change.
Her work has won several international awards including the Vanguard Award 2015, DVF Award 2015, Roberto Rossellini Award, Vital Voices Global Leadership Award, and Asia Society’s Perdita Huston Award.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITON
“I wanted to share their stories of pain and joy and allow the audience to experience how these girls overcome their fears and anxiety and find strength in something as simple as cricket. It (OutSwing) i
s a story of how standing up for girls and their passions is the most honorable thing a man can do.”
— Director OutSwing