Thank you to Everyone who came out to our panel discussion at
U Of T last night. Met a lot of wonderful people and we had a very thought provoking interractive discussion... Will be posting some updates and pix soon.

Stay tuned...
OMNI TV provided coverage for our event and it airs today!!

On OMNI TV News!!
Select: "November 22: Concerns Over Forced Marriages," then
Forward halfway into the segment.

http://ontario.omninews.ca/?language=1

Thursday, November 22, 2012
5:30pm until 7:30pm

Facilitating Cross Cultural Dialogue on Forced Marriages and Honour Based Crimes

On Thursday November 22nd, distinguished speakers; Aruna Papp, Baldev Mutta, Raheel Raza, and, Dr Amin Muhammad, will be participating in an interactive panel discussion to raise funds for Dorothy A. Atabong’s film, ‘Sound of Tears’.

About the Event:
A fundraiser facilitating a cross-cultural dialogue on Forced marriages and Honour Based Crimes including how these crimes can be prevented and what supports if any are in place today.

About the Movie:
The “Sound of Tears” film is a story of a young woman who is trapped in a forced marriage and must relinquish a forbidden love as it is a matter of Family Honour.

About Dorothy:
Graduate from the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre in New York City, Actress and filmmaker (Mayday, The Line, Degrassi); Canadian Stage Company and Studio 180, 'The Overwhelming – about the Rwandan Genocide; Theatre Awakening’s, In Darfur – about the genocide in Sudan. She is the face in several commercials for the Steven Lewis Foundation – Help Fight Aids in Africa.

About Our Panel Speakers:

Aruna Papp:
Over the past 30 years Aruna has worked as a counsellor with abused women, founded 3 non-profit agencies to help immigrant families and has earned two Masters’ degrees. A Research Associate with Frontier Centre for Public Policy. She also conducts training for front line services providers in the area of honour based violence and ‘risk assessment’. Author of Unworthy Creature: A Punjabi Daughter's Memoir of Honour, Shame and Love.

Baldev Mutta:
He has over 30 years’ experience in the field of social work. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS) in Peel. He has received many community awards for his work on equity, community development, diversity management, and organizational change. He also hosts his own television show, Community ConneXion, which airs every Saturday on Rogers Cable.

Raheel Raza:
She is a consultant for Interfaith and Intercultural diversity, a documentary film maker, freelance journalist and founder of SAMA' (Sacred Arts and Music Alliance). Raheel is the author of Their Jihad…Not My Jihad. She was appointed to The Public Service Committee for Ontario College of Teachers and has spoken at Harvard, Columbia, Canadian School Boards, as well as The United Nations.

Dr Amin Muhammad:
Originally from Pakistan, Dr Muhammad is a Doctor of Psychiatry and has held several professorships, including Vice-Principal at medical colleges in Pakistan, England, and Ireland. An expert on transcultural psychiatry, he is currently a professor at The Memorial University in Newfoundland, and a clinical Psychiatrist at The Ontario Trillium Health Centre. Author of over 100 publications, he also penned the Canadian Federal Government report - Magnitude and Dynamics of “Honour Killing”- The local perspective.

Come join us on Thursday November 22nd at the University of Toronto’s Cumberland House, 33 St George Street.

Doors open at 5:30 pm

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Please contact Farah Ally 647.340.5363 or at Farah.Ally@gmail.com.

Seating requirements is on a first come first serve basis.

Scene from The Sound Of Tears screenplay!!

...Wali starts the engine, his eyes locked on Josh. He pushes the gas and releases abruptly, threateningly.

He looks at his sister who looks away.

INT. AMINA’S HOUSE, DINING ROOM - NIGHT

The clock CHIMES.

The table is set for dinner.
Wali is seated. Beside him is his younger brother Malik. Across is Mrs. SALEH, 50s, who looks apologetically at her husband seated at the head of the table. MR. SALEH 60s, clears his throat and looks impatiently at the empty chair. Directly across Mr. Saleh is an African man, OMAR, 60s who sits confidently.
Mr. Saleh taps a finger on the table. He glances at the wall clock.

INSERT - WALL CLOCK READS: “5 MINUTES AFTER 7”
BACK TO SCENE

Amina enters.

AMINA
Sorry.

Mr Saleh frowns at her, Wali shakes his head, Mrs. Saleh smiles uncomfortably.
She goes to the empty chair and immediately spots the stranger at the table. Her shoulders slump. Malik looks at his sister sadly.
Food is passed around the table.

MR. SALEH
(without looking up from his plate)
Omar has come a long way to see you.

Omar smiles at Amina.
Amina avoids his eyes. She takes the bread basket passed to her and puts a loaf on her plate.
Mrs. Saleh waits impatiently for her daughter to respond.

MRS SALEH
Amina!

AMINA
(reluctantly)
Welcome.

MRS SALEH
You must forgive us. My daughter is --

Omar smiles and gestures reassuringly. Nothing to worry about.

INTERCUT - HALLWAY, SMALL STORAGE ROOM/AMINA’S ROOM - NIGHT...

FOR $25 Tears of Delight

YOU GET:A link for the digital download of the film for home viewing. Our sincere and special thank you on our Facebook page, Twitter and the website and campaign latest updates.

FOR $50 Tears of Determination YOU GET:All of the above + A signed screenshot and SOUND OF TEARS DVD sent to your home address.Be a part of this film. Get your perks today and support the Sound of Tears film

www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month::

For those who did not get a chance to join in the making of this film, we have launched phase II of our indiegogo campaign.

please visit the link below and make this film happen in Toronto!! We have quite a few goodies up our sleeves and lots of updates and exciting developments to come.

There are perks for $10 and $25 and an Executive Producer credit for $2500 And please share our link, talk about us, email and tweet about us to your friends, families and colleagues.

Any questions you might have that we have not answered, please post on our page, send us a private message or email us at: soundoftearsfilm@gmail.com Yes, you can issue a cheque. Please send us a private message for the address.

Join us in the making of this film!! Get your perks today and raise awareness on forced marriages and honor-based violence!! www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

UPDATE: The Sound Of Tears Team has just launched PHASE II of the indiegogo campaign. www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm Please join us in Phase II and Make This Film Happen!!

A big fat hug and huge Thank you to all Sound of Tears fans.

All of you who believed in the project and in us and shared our link, talked about us, donated to make the film happen.

We appreciate you very much and excited that you have joined us on this journey. $6545 Raised --- incredibly. We did not reach our goal however, we are much closer than we were when we started this campaign … lots and lots to come shortly so please stay tuned.

In the meantime if you have any questions please message us or post on our page. Thanks again Sound Of Tears Team

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kk1CnqCUSE

Thank you Anonymous Cameroonian for supporting the Sound Of Tears film

OH MY!! $6,505 Raised!

Thank you Argawal, Thank you James Morison 5 Hours to go Be a part of a truly imaginative, different, and social awareness new film.

www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

Wow!! Thank You, Fonya Atabong for contributing to make the Sound of Tears film Happen. Much Appreciated... 6 hours to go everyone!!! Be a part of this film!! www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

And a Huge Thank you to Nkeng Atabong for supporting the Sound of Tears film and for your wonderful kind words of encouragement. www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

8 hours to go!! Join the Sound Of Tears Team in the MAKING OF THIS MOVIE www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

6340 Raised!! 14 hours to go!! Tick Tock tick tock...... Join the Sound Of Tears Team in the MAKING OF THIS MOVIE www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

And a HUGE THANK YOU to Argawal for writing us a cheque of $1000 So we are actully 6340 Raised!! WOW The Final 20 hours. Hurry and get your perks NOW!! Make this film HAPPEN!! www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

The FINAL 20 hours!! Hurry and get your perks NOW!! Make this film HAPPEN!! $5340 Raised!! WOW!! www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

And a Huge Thank You to Tia Atabs .. Oh My, Thank you, Ma for your supporting the Sound of Tears film. www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

Thank you Judith Nkematabong for supporting the Sound of tears film - Much appreciated. www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

42 Hours to go $5290 Raised. Be a part of the Sound of Tears film!! Click on the link and contribute whatever you can -- www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

$5115 raised Amazing!! 67 hours left!! Be a part, support this imaginative social awareness film of paramount importance. Click this link and contribute- any amount- whatever you can- www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

WOW!! And a Huge Thank You to yet another Anonymous for your generosity. We are now $5075 and only 4 days to go! Support a truly imaginative, different, and social awareness new film. Click this link and contribute- any amount- whatever you can- www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

Thank you Anonymous for your generous contribution and words of inspiration! $4,575 Amazing!! We have ONLY 4 days left in the campaign You decided to support a truly imaginative, different, and social awareness new film. Let's celebrate by making it happen. Click this link and contribute- any amount- whatever you can- www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

We've started receiving emails and calls from press asking when this film would be out. Oh My!! Great News but also scarry. 5 days left!!! Lets make this film together!! Click the link below and contribution any amount.. whatever you can- www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

5 days left in the Sound of Tears campaign. Be a part of this truly imaginative, different, and social awareness new film. Click this link and contribute- any amount- whatever you can- www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

WOW!!! The Sound of Tears film project has raised $4050 We have 6 days to go to reach our goal of 25k. This is possible!! Lets celebrate!! Join us in making this film. Click this link and contribute- any amount- whatever you can- www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

Thank you, Felicitas Atabong Mokom for contributing to make the Sound Of Tears film Happen!! www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

And Thank you Ms. M. for contributing to make this film happen!! Wow!! We are now at $3925. You decided to support a truly imaginative, different, and social awareness new film. Let's celebrate by making it happen. Click this link and contribute- any amount- whatever you can- www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

Thank You, Glen Johnson for contributing to make this film happen!! Wow!! We are now at $3925. You decided to support a truly imaginative, different, and social awareness new film. Let's celebrate by making it happen. Click this link and contribute- any amount- whatever you can- www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

Thank you so much Lauren Petrosino, Solina Morales, and Ian Miller for you contribution and powerful words of encouragement towards the Sound of Tears film. And Thank you Gladys Atabong Nkeze. Much appreciated. www.indiegogo.com/soundofTearsfilm We have now raised 3650 with 7 days to go!! You can get us there. Every time you share, spread the word, tell your friends, make sure people understand that independent filmmakers like us are TRULY independent. We rely on finding someone, some audience, some people to believe in us. THOSE PEOPLE ARE YOU. We are not only excited to raise the budget for this film, we are encouraged that YOU DECIDED YOU WANTED TO SEE THIS FILM GET MADE. You decided to support a truly imaginative, different, and social awareness new film. Let's celebrate by making it happen. Click this link and contribute- any amount- whatever you can-

As we head into our final week!!! We have raised $3225 so far!! That came from several contributors from all around the world. AMAZING! We have 8 days left to get to 25K. You can get us there. Every time you share, spread the word, tell your friends, make sure people understand that independent filmmakers like us are TRULY independent. We rely on finding someone, some audience, some people to believe in us. THOSE PEOPLE ARE YOU. We are not only excited to raise the budget for this film, we are encouraged that YOU DECIDED YOU WANTED TO SEE THIS FILM GET MADE. You decided to support a truly imaginative, different, and social awareness new film. Let's celebrate by making it happen. Click this link and contribute- any amount- whatever you can- www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

Thank You Jaime Byrd for your contrubution and kind words towards the making of the Sound of Tears film - www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

Thank you, Reena Dutt for supporting the Sound of Tears film www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

Thank you, Carla Tassara for your support!!

Sound Of Tears Tralier

10 Reasons why You Should Support the Sound Of Tears Film 1. You want to Help End Violence Against Women 2. You want to Support Women in Film & Minorities in Film 3. You know someone in the cast or crew and want to support them 4. You want an IMDB Credit 5. You want your name up on the big screen for millions to see 6. You want to play a role in the film in front and/or behind the camera 7. You want your picture taken with the team on set on location 8. Besides DVDs and Posters, you also want VIP incentives and want to meet the cast and crew 9. You want to be an Executive Producer of a film with a paramount cause to be shown in film festivals all over the world 10. All of the Above. 11. You feel like it.

Thank You, Sonpreet Judge for your support of the Sound Of Tears film project www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

Thank you Mr. Antonio Pietrangelo, for your contribution and your strong words championing the Sound of Tears film project. Please help us reach our goal everyone, There are some really cool perks and VIP Incentives. Visit www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm and be a part, support this film of a paramount cause.

Thank you Niraj Sinha for your generous contribution toward the Sound of Tears film project. Good morning everyone. Please help us reach our goal. Every dollar counts www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

Thank You, Mr. M for your support. Your contributions will help bring this film into film festivals all over the world. We're fast-approaching $3000, but that's just a fraction of our target. So please head on to www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm and give whatever you can. Please share this link to help us reach our goal.

And a huge Thank You to Neville Edwards and Phyllis Brown for their contributions and powerful words. Hello everyone, please visit the link below and make the Sound of Tears film happen! Thank you for your support! www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

Stalking, Emotional abuse, Incest, Child Marriages, Wife Beating, Same-sex relationship violence, Violence against women with disabilities, Domestic and intimate partner violence, Violence against women at work, Human Trafficking, Female Circumcision, Rape, Acid Throwing, Aborting of unborn daughters and infant femicide, Honour Killings... WHAT do all of these forms of abuse have in common? WOMEN! Someone you know has gone through some form of violence: Sound of Tears the film, is a vehicle to raise awareness. Lets all play our part! ‘Donate whatever you can.’ Every dollar counts.

Ezra Levant & Dr. Amin Muhammad Discuss Honour Killings

Source: youtube.com via Dorothy on Pinterest

Watch Sound Of Tears Teaser http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-834948

Sound of Tears: Sound of Tears is now live on Indiegogo.com...... ...

Thank You, To our 9th backer, Nishtha. We appreciate your support. Help spread the word to END Violence Against Women! Please Make This Film HAPPEN!! http://www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm?c=home&a=825932

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/01/30/shafia-trial-six-perspectives-on-honour-killing/

Sound of Tears featured in Afro Meets Euro http://afromeetseuro.com/?p=1597

Thank You, our 8th backer, Keinather. Our Second Cameroonian backer!! However, we still have a long way to go. Help spread the word to END Violence Against Women! Please Make This Film HAPPEN!! http://www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm?c=home&a=825932

THANK YOU our very first Producer, Our 7th backer. Lalit - $1000 Hi everyone, every single dollar counts. We have perks for $10 and $25. Help make this film happen. Help spread the word to END Violence Against Women! Thank you for your continuing support! http://www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm?c=home&a=825932

Thank You to our 6th backer. We appreciate your support. http://www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm?a=825932

Great News!! Our funding campaign for "Sound of Tears" was featured on another prominent blog today! http://www.gender-focus.com/tag/dorothy-a-atabong/

Sound of Tears GIVEAWAY... FOR TODAY and TODAY ONLY!! $100 PERK giveaway for only $50 WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? YOU GET: A photograph from the filming of this project. + Your name in the “Thanks To” end credits of the film + A link for the digital download of the film for home viewing. A signed screenshot and SOUND OF TEARS DVD sent to your home address + signed limited edition SOUND OF TEARS poster (currently being designed) and a special memorabilia from the film. HURRY TO http://www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm?a=825932 and CLAIM your perk TODAY!!

And a HUGE Thank you to our 5th backer. Thank you, Jarrah. We are truly plowing ahead! Come on guys, lets make this film together. Be a part of Sound OF Tears http://www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm?a=825932

Thank you so much our 4th backer. Our very first Cameroonian backer. Your contribution will help us make this film. If you haven't already, get your perks today. There is something for everyone. http://www.indiegogo.com/soundoftearsfilm

Our funding campaign for "Sound of Tears" was featured on this prominent blog! Indiewire.com

We would like to thank our 2nd and 3rd backer. Anonymous $100 Kturner Thank you so Very Much. We are barely 48hrs of going live on indiegogo and we've already hit a milestone!

Sound of Tears is now live on Indiegogo.com...... Read it...Like it...Comment on it...Support it...

        Working on last minute post-production on the Sound of Tears teaser.

The countdown begins. We go live tomorrow AUGUST 5th. Be the first to watch the Sound of Tears teaser, only on indiegogo.com

pls spread the word!

Read it....Like it....Comment on it....SUPPORT IT!!

Meeting Dr. Amin Muhammad of Memorial University of Newfoundland. He has done extensive research and has written a report for the federal government on this social issue. He continues to share his valuable insight.

We are very excited to have Dr. Muhammad Amin on board with us. He has done extensive research and has written a report for the federal government on this social issue. He continues to share his valuable insight. 

Hello everyone, join the Sound of Tears family on Sunday, August 5th for the launch of our indiegogo campaign. We have some cool exclusive perks for our backers. www.facebook.com/soundoftearsfilm

Ezra Levant & Dr. Amin Muhammad Discuss Honour Killings

Our very own DOP, Ben Lichty
www.benlichty.com

Dorothy A. Atabong will direct the film
www.dorothyatabong.com

and behind the camera will be the very talented Ben Lichtyhttp://benlichty.com/profile/

Please stay tuned for more cast and crew!!

The Official Dorothy A. Atabong Website - Home

www.dorothyatabong.com

The Official Dorothy A. Atabong Website

'Honour' crime victims living in fear in the UK

We are very proud to announce we obtained music rights from Côte d'Ivoire/Belguim from one of the most compelling African musicians Dobet Gnahore
http://www.dobetgnahore.com/

Filming Sound of Tears teaser

Premeditated Killings in the name of so-called family honor are when a family member or members of a family kill a wife, daughter, sister, son or brother because they believe the victim has "shamed" the family.

The United Nations estimates that 5,000 women are killed each year in the claim of having dishonored their families.

In the UK alone last year, the police reported 2,823 so-called honor crimes. That’s nearly eight a day.

Honor killings take place in just about every continent in the world and the victims are usually murdered by their family members. 

Thousands of honor killing cases remain unheard of, as they are never reported. The cries of thousands of murdered women lie silent in graves. 

This is Amina’s story!


Canada looks for ways to prevent honour killings in wake of Shafia trial

Sound Of Tears is a short film about a young woman who must abide by the strict customs and traditions embedded in her since birth. She must heed the admonition and relinquish a forbidden love. It is a Matter of Family Honor.


Please "Like US" on facebook: www.facebook.com/soundoftearsfilm and HELP make this social awareness film happen!!

We will be launching our indiegogo campaign "Soundoftearsfilm" in a couple of weeks. We have some really cool exclusive perks/gifts for our backers. 
Stay tuned!!


Other Links
http://www.facebook.com/soundoftearsfilm

http://pinterest.com/palmnlotus/sound-of-tears-film/

Twitter: @dorothyaatabong

www.dorothyatabong.com

www.benlichty.com