Two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has officially joined the short film Don’t Be Late, Myra as its executive producer — a move that’s already generating excitement across Pakistan’s creative circles and beyond.
A story that hits close to home
Directed by Afia Nathaniel, Don’t Be Late, Myra tells the gripping story of a 10-year-old girl named Myra (played by Innayah Umer) who finds herself navigating Lahore’s bustling streets alone after missing her school pick-up.
What unfolds is a deeply emotional narrative — one that highlights the everyday risks young girls face simply moving through public spaces.
Nathaniel, known for her acclaimed feature Dukhtar, draws from real-life moments and fears that many parents can relate to. “The story may be short,” she said in an interview, “but the questions it raises about safety, trust, and freedom are enormous.”
Sharmeen’s voice adds weight and visibility
Joining the project, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy praised the film’s raw honesty and emotional depth.
“Don’t Be Late, Myra gives voice to the fears every young girl knows too well — while celebrating the courage it takes to survive and to be heard,” she said. “To stand behind this film is not only a responsibility but a joy.”
For Chinoy — whose body of work includes Saving Face and A Girl in the River — this collaboration marks another step in her mission to amplify stories centered on resilience, justice, and gender awareness.
Gaining festival attention
The film has already begun making its mark on the international festival circuit, earning selections at the Bergen International Film Festival in New Jersey and the Montreal International Film Festival.
Its emotional storytelling and grounded realism have been praised by critics as a “wake-up call disguised as cinema.”
A strong creative team
Alongside Chinoy, the executive producers include Rohi Mirza Pandya (Box Office Guru Media / RASA Film Group), Rene Bastian (Transamerica), and Shrihari Sathe (Stay Awake).
Together, this powerhouse lineup gives Don’t Be Late, Myra a serious edge as it eyes wider release and potential Academy Awards qualification.
More than just a film
For director Afia Nathaniel, this project isn’t merely about filmmaking — it’s a reminder of how storytelling can stir empathy and social change. “Every parent’s nightmare begins with that one moment of uncertainty,” she said. “I wanted to capture that moment — through a child’s eyes.”
With Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy now championing the project, Don’t Be Late, Myra is poised to reach global audiences — blending artistry, advocacy, and emotion in equal measure.
