FAQ

Q: So what is Finding Bibi–a movie, an organization, what?
A: Finding Bibi began as a documentary film directed by Bita Haidarian, which followed her on a worldwide journey in search of her hero, Mukhtaran Bibi.  The trip and film came to include interviews with women living across the globe.  While the film remains in post-production, the response to the film’s message and the trailer has been overwhelming, with one question outpacing all others: How can I help?  In response, we are crafting the Finding Bibi organization.  Learn more by clicking About.

Q: When can I see the film?
A: Post-production is a long process, but the film is slated to be completed in 2010.  We know you want it sooner, and so do we. You can always help us with a donation, by reading and commenting on our blog, or fanning us on Facebook. More support equals more resources, and more resources means an earlier release date.

Q: Where did Bita travel while she made the film?
A: Great question, and hopefully you find the map below a great answer. For those of you that prefer text, that’s: the United Arab Emirates, Israel, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, the United States, Australia, and India.

Q: Why do you focus on the U.S., the Middle East & South Asia?
A:The Middle East & South Asia receive more attention than ever in European and American media, yet most Americans have not had contact or are not familiar with actual people from those regions. For example, a 2008 PAAIA/Zogby poll found that two-thirds of Americans do not personally know anybody of Iranian descent, despite the fact that around half a million Iranian-Americans reside in the country. We believe exposure to their stories can help bridge the gap of understanding between east and west.

Q: Why should we focus on the voices of women?
A:Women and girls have not achieved equality with men in any country in the world. The statistics are mind-boggling: 330 million women live on less than $1 a day; 47% of women report that their first sexual intercourse was forced; 2/3rds of the world’s illiterate are women. Despite many outstanding organizations working daily on these problems, awareness of the status of women remains low. We believe that a rebellious, irreverent, youthful organization that shares the stories of these women will bring the issue out of U.N. conference rooms and into the hearts and minds of all those fortunate enough to enjoy their basic human rights.
(Statistics courtesy of the Tahirih Justice Center)

Q: What exactly do you mean by irreverent and rebellious?
A: By irreverent and rebellious we don’t mean disrespectful and irresponsible. Finding Bibi’s irreverence and rebelliousness are embodied in Bita’s role in the film. She challenges taboos with curiosity rather than confrontation; she puts an hilarious twist on tough topics; she discovers her heritage by rebelling against it. Her unwillingness to be told who to be or how to understand people she encounters are what inspire Finding Bibi’s purpose.

Have more questions?  Click the envelope below and contact us.