Samar Minallah Khan is an anthropologist and a documentary film maker from Pakistan. In the media, she has been referred to as ‘The Savior of Soul’, ‘Women who rock the world’, ‘The Crusader with the Camera’ and ‘Women that changed Pakistan’.

Samar has been a pioneer in using film and other innovative mediums of communication for social change in Pakistan. Having an MPhil degree in Anthropology and Development from the University of Cambridge and a Master’s degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology, her work focuses on a culturally sensitive approach to development. Samar has over 20 years of progressive experience in advocacy, women and children’s causes, anthropological documentation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, social change, working in and with different media.

Her commitment to ending comcompensation marriages in Pakistan goes a decade back.

One of her documentaries ‘Swara—A Bridge over Troubled Waters’ has won several national and international awards for breaking the silence around a practice that violates rights of girl child and women. It helped in legislation against a culturally sanctioned form of violence against minor girls. Her media advocacy to bring to attention various forms of compensation marriages and other forms of human rights violations has led to policy changes and a change in the mindsets of the people.Samar has widely traveled to speak at national and international events. She serves on various advisory boards and is recipient of prestigious awards. She serves on various advisory boards.