Abandoned by her parents, Sameem Ali spent six and a half years growing up in a children’s home. When she was told that her family wanted to take her back she couldn’t wait to start her new life with them. Instead, she returned to a dirty house where she was subjected to endless chores. Her mother began to beat her and her unhappiness drove her to self-harm. So Sameem was excited when she boarded a plane with her mother to visit Pakistan for the first time. It was only after they arrived in her family's village that she realised she wasn't there on holiday. Aged just thirteen, Sameem was forced to marry a complete stranger and raped on her wedding night.
When pregnant, two months later, she was made to return to the UK where she suffered further abuse from her family. After finding true love, Sameem fled the violence at home and escaped to Manchester with her young son. She believed she had put her horrific experiences behind her, but was unprepared for the consequences of violating her family's honour...
Honour Me recounts the shocking life of Sameem and her struggle to break free from her past and fight back against her upbringing.
"On behalf of the Expresión en Corto International Film Festival I am delighted to present the Special Jury Mention of the third edition of the Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Short Film Competition to your excellent documentary "Honour me", which displays the problematic and complex interplay of diverse forms of violence: social, religious, cultural, economic and physical, which are all experienced and related by Sameem Ali in this shocking and touching personal account. A technically impeccable documentary with outstanding cinematography and editing, "Honour Me" offers an unusually sensitive and personal view at a rarely told, but unfortunately not rarely experienced, situation in an incredibly courageous testimony of a strong woman documented in a most honest and captivating way by an excellent film maker".
"We are confident that this important document in the fight against all forms of violence will continue to speak out to many audiences around the globe and make a difference. Thanks to Sameem and Alex for bringing this story to our attention".
Nina Rodríguez
Directora de Programación
Expresion En Corto IFF
"On behalf of the Expresión en Corto International Film Festival I am delighted to present the Special Jury Mention of the third edition of the Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Short Film Competition to your excellent documentary "Honour me", which displays the problematic and complex interplay of diverse forms of violence: social, religious, cultural, economic and physical, which are all experienced and related by Sameem Ali in this shocking and touching personal account. A technically impeccable documentary with outstanding cinematography and editing, "Honour Me" offers an unusually sensitive and personal view at a rarely told, but unfortunately not rarely experienced, situation in an incredibly courageous testimony of a strong woman documented in a most honest and captivating way by an excellent film maker".
"We are confident that this important document in the fight against all forms of violence will continue to speak out to many audiences around the globe and make a difference. Thanks to Sameem and Alex for bringing this story to our attention".
Nina Rodríguez
Directora de Programación
Expresion En Corto IFF
