Deep Dive: Smile Pinki (2008)
Film Lens
Smile Pinki is a documentary that tells the story of Pinki Sonkar, a five-year-old girl living in Rampur Dhabahi village, Mirzapur, India, who suffers from a severe cleft lip. Due to her condition, she is ostracized and unable to attend school, leading to a life of quiet desperation. The film follows Pinki's life until her parents meet Pankaj, a social worker who connects them with a hospital offering free cleft lip surgeries through The Smile Train program.
The documentary captures the successful surgery performed by Dr. Subodh Kumar Singh at G.S. Memorial Hospital. It also documents the broader impact of the film in India, where it generated national attention and awareness about cleft lip conditions. The film was broadcast on HBO, Sundance Channel, and Doordarshan, with 8 million free DVDs distributed to raise awareness and support for cleft surgeries.
Why Watch
- •Meet Pinki Sonkar, a girl overcoming adversity in India.
- •See the transformative impact of cleft lip surgery.
- •Follow the journey of a social worker making a difference.
Did You Know
•Pinki was five years old when the film was made in 2008.
•The film won the 81st Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject).
•8 million free DVDs of the film were distributed in India.
•Pinki tossed the coin at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships.
Perfect For
Cleft lip awarenessSocial workIndian rural life