In a region where family, tradition, and community remain central to everyday life, filmmaker and human rights lawyer Sabrina Khan is using cinema to explore stories that are often left unspoken. Her short film series, Dignity Diaries, which includes Jhumka Jamilla, Baba, and the forthcoming Unaccompanied Minor, reflects on dignity, belonging, and moral responsibility through intimate human narratives.
Jhumka Jamilla presents the story of a woman whose voice has gradually faded within her own household. As she reflects on ageing and family life, the film gently raises questions about presence, respect, and emotional distance across generations. The Khaleej Herald views Jhumka Jamilla as a reminder that elders carry wisdom that must be actively honoured, not passively assumed.
Baba unfolds with quiet restraint, following a young woman navigating expectation, tradition, and personal resolve. Without revealing its destination, the film invites audiences to reflect on the balance between duty and selfhood. A compelling performance by Rahim Zullah — an acclaimed Brisbane and Bollywood artist, ghazal singer, songwriter, lyricist, and former Honorary Consul for Pakistan in Fiji — adds emotional depth and cultural resonance.
The forthcoming Unaccompanied Minor extends the series’ focus beyond the family into the realm of law and protection. The film addresses the experiences of children who arrive in Australia without parents or guardians, highlighting questions of care, responsibility, and moral duty. Without sensationalism, it invites reflection on how societies respond to vulnerable children who depend entirely on adult systems for safety and dignity.
Behind the camera, Khan is supported by a diverse creative team. Ali Baniasadi, a prominent Persian documentary filmmaker, serves as assistant director and producer. Cinematography by Osman Nazim Malgir brings warmth and intimacy, while Nadiya Khan’s art direction grounds each film in authenticity.
As a series, Dignity Diaries reflects values shared across cultures: respect for elders, moral accountability, and the importance of listening. These films do not seek controversy; they seek understanding — reminding viewers that dignity begins when we choose to truly see one another.
