‘Forbidden’ – Short Film About Honor Killings Based On A True Story

by Vibha Gulati 

“Forbidden” is a dramatic thriller that follows a Sikh woman named Jasleen, who is forced to marry within her community, but runs away with her Muslim lover Fahwaz. Together, they must escape from her overzealous parents, or suffer a brutal honor killing.

“Forbidden” is inspired by the true story of my friend Harpreet, who was brutally murdered for being in love with someone her family did not approve. This work is my tribute to this amazing woman who had the courage and the conviction to follow her heart and stand up to her family. It is also dedicated to the thousands of women who have lost their lives in the name of family honor.

According to the United Nations, 5,000 women and girls are killed each year in the name of family honor. Women’s advocacy groups, however, report the numbers are much higher as many of the cases go unreported. According to their findings, 20,000 women and girls are killed every year due to this brutal practice.

Reports submitted to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights show that honor killings have occurred in at least 26 countries. Of the 26, nine are western countries with large immigrant communities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

The mission of this film is to end violence against women living outside of their native countries. The film also seeks to mobilize a critical mass of individuals that will petition the legal system to take action against criminals who commit heinous crimes against women in the name of family honor.

To date, “Forbidden” has raised 50 percent of the total production budget. Now we need your help in raising the remaining funds for the production and post-production costs of this short film.

Our goal for this campaign is $18,000. Your tax deductible donation will not only help us complete “Forbidden,” but also build momentum in the ongoing campaign to raise awareness on this important women’s rights issue! 

[Donate to the campaign to get “Forbidden” made]

Contact us:
Email: vibha.forbiddenthefilm@gmail.com
Website: www.forbiddenthefilm.com

Vibha Gulati is an Independent Filmmaker with extensive experience as a writer, assistant director, and a script supervisor in the Indian motion picture industry. Her educational background in film-making includes a degree in Film Direction from the New York Film Academy, a degree in screenwriting from NYU, and a degree in script supervision from UCLA. Some significant feature films she has worked on over the last few years include Raj Kumar Hirani’s ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai,’ Bedoprata Pain’s ‘Chittagong,’ Rohan Sippy’s ‘Nautanki Saala,’ Danis Tanovic’s ‘Tigers,’ and Prashant Nair’s ‘Umrika.’ Moreover, Vibha has written and directed a number of short films and is completing a work in progress Documentary titled ‘Dancing with the Inner Eye.’