Sir Ben Kingsley Tours Earthquake-Devastated Regions of Pakistan
February 22, 2006. Academy Award-winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley has been in Pakistan for the last six days touring earthquake-affected regions to focus international attention and ensure continued support and aid for victims of the October 8th earthquake. In partnership with Relief International, a leading Los Angeles-based humanitarian aid organization, Sir Ben Kingsley is appearing in a documentary production focusing on the continued needs of the survivors of the devastating quake. The documentary, produced by Duncan Entertainment, features the international relief effort to date and the need for ongoing, international reconstruction assistance.?
"It has been an honor for me to tour the earthquake ravaged zones of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir with Relief International,"says Sir Ben. "The most urgent task now facing the powers of both east and west is Bridge Building."
Arriving in Pakistan on February 16th, Sir Ben Kingsley and the documentary team have traversed through much of the Northwest Frontier Province and Azad Kashmir including villages such as Hilkot and Bhogermang, towns such as Balakot, Muzafarrabad, and the Neelum and Jhelum valleys.
In making the documentary the team has met with Pakistani officials at the highest levels including President Musharaff, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Federal Relief Commissioner General Farooq Khan, as well as victims in some of the most remote villages.
"All I have witnessed during my short and privileged visits tells me that in the face of unimaginable catastrophe the people's faith runs deep; their welcome to us reflects this," says Sir Ben.
"I cannot forget the pitiless devastation juxtaposed with the look of hope and determination on the faces of all people, young and old, all enduring awful loss and all greeting us so warmly."
"We must build bridges wherever and whenever we can. My lasting image teaches all I need to know of manĄ¯s dignity and faith: one lone man, soaked to the skin in the pouring rain, on the side of a battered, twisted road, shoveling away a vast pile of rubble ¨C shoveling and shoveling and shoveling."
Sir Ben's business partner, filmmaker Chip Duncan, says, "Very important work has been done by Relief International and other agencies in providing emergency medical care, food and temporary shelter for people in need. It's our hope that the work can continue as people in these devastated areas rebuild their livelihoods, schools and health care facilities. We need to create long term, sustainable and healthy lifestyles for the future.
"Everyone in the world can relate to the loss of a loved one, to the loss of a home, a school or a hospital. Today, Pakistan is a place in need of understanding along with the universal values of charity and compassion. The people we have photographed, interviewed and witnessed in the earthquake ravaged areas have welcomed us with open arms. Their courage is an inspiration."