When you play music, you don't need a language. Music is a language.

Working in any country where you want to talk about the kind of issues that other people don't want to talk about is difficult.

Despite their rising international acclaim, Sachal Studios remains virtually unknown in Pakistan. The ensemble is faced with a daunting task: to reclaim and reinvigorate an art that has lost its space in Pakistan's narrowing cultural sphere.

In December 2011, I will be opening up my production house, Sharmeen Obaid Films, and aspire to change the way Pakistanis approach nonfiction storytelling. There are thousands of stories to be found here.

It takes one second to ruin a woman's life.

My films are motivated by a keen interest in highlighting issues that affect marginalized populations who are caught in difficult circumstances.

Pakistan destroyed its own reputation. If anything, I have improved Pakistan's image.