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"When the Mountains Moved" - A Documentary Covering the Extent of the American Humanitarian Assistance in Relief and Rehabilitation for Pakistan Earthquake Victims

By Eckova Productions
posted Oct 16, 2006, 13:09

The film explores the complex dynamics of negatively stereotyped perceptions and preconceived notions that Americans harbored toward Pakistanis, and in turn the mistrust that Pakistanis felt toward the Americans. After the tragic earthquake, Pakistanis and American aid workers interacted with each other forming relationships and bonds that threw preconceived perceptions out of the window. Ultimately, the film reveals the unifying elements that bind people together through a common agenda of humanity.

With the one year anniversary of the October 8, 2005 Pakistan earthquake, there are still many questions that need to be answered. One important aspect of the huge tragedy that took thousands of innocent lives is that of the foreign assistance that came, specifically the assistance provided by the Americans. One ground-breaking initiative that was taken during this tumultuous episode was by an independent production company, Eckova Productions, which went to the depth of the issue of American assistance in the Pakistani earthquake and revealed some surprising facts.

Eckova Productions, an international documentary production house with offices in Orange County, CA and Karachi, Pakistan, is at the forefront of tackling important issues that reveal the many dimensions of the intricate relationship between Americans and Pakistanis. When the Mountains Moved is a documentary covering the extent of the American humanitarian assistance in relief and rehabilitation for the earthquake victims. Funded through a grant from a leading international aid agency, The Asia Foundation, the project examines mainstream views held by Pakistanis and Americans about each other.

The film explores the complex dynamics of negatively stereotyped perceptions and preconceived notions that Americans harbored toward Pakistanis, and in turn the mistrust that Pakistanis felt toward the Americans. After the tragic earthquake, Pakistanis and American aid workers interacted with each other forming relationships and bonds that threw preconceived perceptions out of the window. Ultimately, the film reveals the unifying elements that bind people together through a common agenda of humanity.

The main character of the film is Todd Shea, an American musician that initially came to Pakistan for ten days to help in logistical relief. After seeing the magnitude of the devastation and realizing the need to stay longer, Todd formed an NGO by the name of CDRS in Kashmir, where he currently resides and provided medical facilities for the residents of Chikar. The film portrays Todd�s story, leaving behind his own loved ones, coming to Kashmir to help, and ultimately staying there to make sure that the people of Chikar were not abandoned. His is an awe-inspiring story of ultimate selflessness and an overwhelming desire to help those in need.

When the Mountains Moved is currently being aired on GEO Television. A launching reception for the film was held on October 7 at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad where the film was inaugurated by foreign diplomats and dignitaries. For more information or to provide your feedback, please send email or visit http://www.eckovaproductions.com.