Smile Pinki

Pinki had a unilateral complete cleft lip.

Smile Pinki is a 39-minute documentary film directed by Megan Mylan that won the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) at the 81st Academy Awards in 2009. The film chronicles the life of a young girl named Pinki Sonkar from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, India, who was born with a cleft lip. It showcases the transformative journey Pinki undergoes after receiving free surgery to correct her cleft lip, provided by the Smile Train project, a global initiative aimed at helping children with cleft lips and palates.

Synopsis

Smile Pinki follows the story of Pinki Sonkar, a five-year-old girl ostracized by her community because of her cleft lip. Living in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, Pinki's family is too poor to afford the surgery that can fix her condition. The documentary captures the challenges Pinki and her family face due to her untreated cleft lip, including social isolation and ridicule. The narrative takes a hopeful turn when Pinki meets a social worker associated with Smile Train, who offers her a chance to undergo surgery at no cost. The film documents Pinki's journey from her village to the hospital, the surgery, and her life-changing transformation afterwards. Through Pinki's story, the documentary highlights the impact of medical intervention on the lives of children with cleft lips and palates, and the importance of accessibility to healthcare services.

Production

Directed by Megan Mylan, Smile Pinki was produced with the intention of bringing attention to the plight of children living with untreated cleft lips and palates in developing countries. The film was shot on location in Uttar Pradesh, capturing the real-life conditions and challenges faced by families affected by this condition. Mylan's direction focuses on the emotional and physical journey of Pinki, providing a personal insight into the broader issue of healthcare accessibility.

Reception

Upon its release, Smile Pinki received widespread acclaim for its heartwarming narrative and its effective portrayal of a significant health issue. The film's success culminated in winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject), bringing further attention to the cause of cleft lip and palate surgery worldwide. Critics praised the documentary for its compassionate storytelling and the way it highlights the transformative power of medical intervention.

Impact

The documentary has had a significant impact in raising awareness about cleft lips and palates and the importance of providing free surgical interventions to children in need. It has helped in promoting the work of Smile Train and similar organizations, leading to increased support and donations. Furthermore, Smile Pinki has contributed to a broader discussion on the need for accessible healthcare services in developing countries, emphasizing the difference that such interventions can make in the lives of individuals.

See Also

• Cleft lip and palate
• Documentary film
• Healthcare in India
• Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject)