Among the Believers

Among the Believers is a gripping and chilling documentary that embarks on the risky journey of exploring the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Pakistan, and its gruesome implications for a world searching for peace and cohesion. The film, which was released in 2015, centers on two prominent figures in the nation, namely Maulana Abdul Aziz Ghazi and Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy. The former is a radical cleric of the Red Mosque in Islamabad, who advocates the enforcement of strict Sharia law across Pakistan, while the latter is a distinguished professor and nuclear physicist, emerging as an influential voice against the growth of religious extremism in the country.

Written and directed by Hemal Trivedi and Mohammed Ali Naqvi, Among the Believers crafts a tapestry of Pakistan, painted with diverse perspectives and ideological conflicts. It unveils the tumultuous state of a country determined to play a pivotal role in the future of the world. The script, diligently penned by Jonathan Goodman Levitt, adds depth and flair to every character, enabling viewers to fathom not only their perspectives but also the broader national narratives that have shaped their beliefs.

The movie grants the viewer unprecedented access to the Red Mosque and its chain of seminaries, offering an intimate look at how the future generation is being tutored under Ghazi's direction. Ghazi, assertive in his religious interpretations, believes that the salvation of his country lies in the implementation of strict religious legislation, a mission for which he is willing to incite large-scale civil revolt. Through interviews and personal testimonials, Ghazi's mission is juxtaposed with stories of real-life victims of his brutal extremist campaign, including a mother in pursuit of justice for her missing daughter and a boy escaping Ghazi's tight extremist grip.

On the other hand, Dr. Hoodbhoy emerges as a potent counterpoint to Abdul Aziz Ghazi's narrative of extremism. A renowned scholar and an undefeated critic of fundamentalism, his rationality and articulate discourses challenge the rising tide of conservatism and extremism in Pakistan. He is a beacon of hope, striving against the ominous shadows of radicalization, and retaining the essence of progressive and inclusive ideologies in academia. His role in the film is crucial, creating a balancing effect on Ghazi's narrative and offering audiences an alternative perspective on Pakistani society.

The film beautifully encapsulates the socioeconomic realities influencing the growth of extremism, providing intricate insights into how poverty, political corruption, and an inefficient educational system play into Ghazi’s narratives. Moreover, Ghazi's unfiltered access to madrasa students paints a grim picture of how indoctrination at a young age can create longing for violence and fuel the ongoing cycle of terrorism.

Visually, Among the Believers is brilliantly shot and edited, portraying a fine balance between raw footage of active protests, sentimental familial interactions, and the eerie silence that engulfs the Red Mosque’s classrooms. The film captures the teeming millions of Pakistan - the bustling cities, the serene countryside, the hopeless slums, and the tense moments of mosque congregations - all the milieu contributing to the country’s ideological war.

The score, composed by Milind Date, somehow weaves a poignant undercurrent into this account of strife and conflict. Somber, stirring, and occasionally eerie, the score elevates the gripping narrative into an atmospheric exploration of themes beyond conventional documentary storytelling, blending elements of sacrifice, loss, love, and hope.

Simultaneously distressing and enlightening, Among the Believers is a potent exploration of the spiraling tragedy that Islamic extremism has imposed on Pakistan, and by extension, the world. Its success lies in its carefully formed conviction to present a multi-dimensional lens into a complex issue, allowing the audience to understand how radical beliefs are formed, propagated, and, in turn, challenged. For anyone interested in learning about the intricate dynamics of religious extremism and its effect on societies, Among the Believers is a must-watch.