Without Shepherds
- Description
- Reviews
- Citation
- Cataloging
- Transcript
Six bold people navigate the dangerous waters of Pakistan's current crisis to discover a new tomorrow: a cricket star starts a progressive political party, a female journalist goes behind Taliban lines, an ex-mujahid seeks redemption, a trucker crosses dangerous territory to feed his family, a supermodel pushes feminism through fashion, and a subversive Sufi rocker uses music to heal.
Filmed by a team of Americans and Pakistanis over two years, WITHOUT SHEPHERDS cuts through alarmist media depictions of the country to celebrate the bravery of its people.
'The passion and honesty with which the film crew presents life in Pakistan is refreshing and most importantly, the film shatters many stereotypes people hold about Pakistan as the land that harbors terrorism. Instead it allows viewers to experience Pakistan through a different lens, and thoughtfully highlights diversity of views in Pakistan. This film has high educational value for diverse audience. Whether you want to study complexity of the human society in an era of globalization, or understand the truly paradoxical yet fascinating and multi-colored Pakistani society, or simply watch pure human strength at its best in 'not the very best' circumstances, this film is for you. It can engage students in a discussion on a wide range of interesting topics covering religion, international politics, human development, globalization and culture.' Shaista E. Khilji, Professor of Human and Organizational Learning and International Affairs, George Washington University
'A powerful, riveting portrayal of six brave Pakistanis who are trying to make a difference in a harsh environment. The movie offers valuable glimpses on Pakistan and its many facets and locations ordinarily not available to the international audience. I recommend this movie with much enthusiasm.' T.V. Paul, Professor of International Relations, Political Science Dept., McGill University, Author, The Warrior State: Pakistan in the Contemporary World
'Switching between a handful of Pakistanis scattered around their country, you witness the sprawling magnificence of a nation of people along the Indus River in all its stunning complexity. So much of what is written and produced about Pakistan for western audiences these days is neatly packaged into simplistic and easily digestible half-truths. Without Shepherds gives you none of that. Instead, this heady cinematic experience delivers something far more valuable: the essential understanding required to begin asking the right questions about the world's longest running experiment in Islam and democracy.' Shahan Mufti, Assistant Professor of Journalism, University of Richmond, Author, The Faithful Scribe: A Story of Islam, Pakistan, Family, and War
'A beautifully crafted film that combines moments of human intimacy and personal insight...We get a slice of Pakistani society rarely afforded to outsiders and a glimpse into the everyday lives of these individuals.' Tom Kirk, Global Policy Journal
'This is an outstanding 'wow' film in its quality of filming, pictures, colors, scenery, and stories--all so real! The contents depict the social tension very well. The complex cultural and social diversity of this land of contradictions between 'modern' and 'traditional' that co-exist has been shown beautifully. Without Shepherds offers a great educational value for the classroom and community dialogues.' Dr Khalida Zaki, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Michigan State University
'An eye-opening ray of hope, Without Shepherds defies contemporary stereotypes of Pakistan and its people, and is highly recommended.' The Midwest Book Review
'Pakistan is probably a name that frightens most Westerners...But it is also a place of beauty, diversity, and possibility, as Cary McClelland shows in this evocative film...Suitable for high school classes and college courses in cultural anthropology, political anthropology, anthropology of Islam, anthropological film, and Central/South Asian and Pakistan studies, as well as general audiences.' Jack David Eller, Anthropology Review Database
'Without Shepherds captures the vitality of life in Pakistan and the audacity of those who negotiate their hopes there. The stories that fill the long nights of two truckers making their way across the country, the promises of a politician, the business decisions of a model, the recollections of a one-time jihadi, and a journalist's anger at injustice are woven together in a vivid portrayal of ambition in contemporary Pakistan that provides a necessary counterbalance to studies of politics, security and militancy in the country.' Dr. Sana Haroon, Assistant Professor in History and Asian Studies, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Author, Frontier of Faith: Islam in the Indo-Afghan Borderland
'Without Shepherds is one of the most visually impressive and insightful docs in recent memory. The film simply and effectively shatters stereotypes about Pakistan, revealing diversity of thought and hope for the future.' Hammer To Nail
'A thoughtful portrait into the lives of some of this troubled country's citizens, who despite their differences of class and ideology, share a longing for a better way of life.' Filmmaker Magazine
'Inspiring and harrowing at the same time.' Slug Magazine
'The star power of Imran Khan, Vaneeza Ahmed and Arieb Azhar gives Without Shepherds an edge, yet other subjects such as a Peshawari female journalist, a truck driver and an ex-Taliban warrior give the production an interesting, human dimension.' The Express Tribune with the International New York Times
'[Without Shepherds] hopes to bring a different view to the world of Pakistan and her people.' Chup! Changing Up Pakistan
'Each of the character's journeys was unique, but their shared struggle for justice made the 'film a very emotional experience' for those involved. They are connected because they all went against the mold.' Communicating Across Boundaries
Citation
Main credits
McClelland, Cary (film director)
McClelland, Cary (film producer)
McClelland, Cary (cinematographer)
Babur, Imran (film director)
Smith, Billy (film producer)
Profusek, Robert (film producer)
Silbert, Ryan (film producer)
Other credits
Cinematography by Imran Babur, Armughan Hassan, Cary McClelland, Zeshan Shafa; edited by Faisal Azam, Connor Kalista, Gabriel Rhodes; original music by Arooj Aftab, Grey McMurray.
Distributor subjects
Anthropology; Asian Studies; Conflict Resolution; Developing World; Geography; Global Issues; Globalization; History; Human Rights; International Studies; Islamic Studies; National Security; Pakistan; Political Science; Religion; Sociology; Terrorism/Counter-Terrorism Studies; War and PeaceKeywords
WEBVTT
00:02:12.584 --> 00:02:15.542
(MUSIC PLAYING)
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(GUNSHOT)
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(MUSIC PLAYING)
00:03:12.209 --> 00:03:13.209
(ELEVATOR BELL DINGING)
00:04:27.584 --> 00:04:30.000
(CHANTING)
00:05:04.167 --> 00:05:06.667
(CHEERING)
00:05:32.626 --> 00:05:35.626
(MUSIC PLAYING)
00:06:12.542 --> 00:06:15.542
(CAR HORNS HONKING)
00:07:48.417 --> 00:07:50.958
- Abdullah is traveling home
from Pakistan\'s eastern border
00:07:50.959 --> 00:07:54.167
with India to the western
border with Afghanistan.
00:07:56.834 --> 00:07:59.041
It\'s 2008.
00:07:59.042 --> 00:08:01.166
International papers
carry headlines
00:08:01.167 --> 00:08:03.833
on General Musharraf\'s
military rule,
00:08:03.834 --> 00:08:07.082
the aftermath of Benazir
Bhutto\'s assassination,
00:08:07.083 --> 00:08:09.291
the future of the
US \"War on Terror\",
00:08:09.292 --> 00:08:11.751
and the mystery of Osama
bin Laden\'s whereabouts.
00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:18.917
But Abdullah has traveled
every part of our country,
00:08:18.918 --> 00:08:20.751
and there is a different
view out his window.
00:11:16.584 --> 00:11:19.542
(MUSIC PLAYING)
00:12:30.250 --> 00:12:35.500
- In 1998, a friend of
Ibrahim\'s returned from Kashmir.
00:12:35.501 --> 00:12:39.166
He showed Ibrahim photos
of bodies mutilated,
00:12:39.167 --> 00:12:42.833
women raped and killed,
and said the same things
00:12:42.834 --> 00:12:46.958
were happening across the
border in Afghanistan.
00:12:46.959 --> 00:12:50.208
He invited Ibrahim to join
a militant group affiliated
00:12:50.209 --> 00:12:53.166
with the Taliban.
00:12:53.167 --> 00:12:55.875
Ibrahim had never been
close with his family.
00:12:55.876 --> 00:13:00.958
He didn\'t have a job, a wife,
or anything tying him down.
00:13:00.959 --> 00:13:03.750
And he had a reputation
for being someone who
00:13:03.751 --> 00:13:05.833
never backed down from a fight.
00:13:05.834 --> 00:13:08.834
(MUSIC PLAYING)
00:13:28.125 --> 00:13:30.626
(QUACKING SOUNDS)
00:13:53.501 --> 00:13:55.291
- Oh god, that was fun.
00:13:55.292 --> 00:13:56.791
- It\'s not dead!
00:13:56.792 --> 00:13:57.751
- Listen...
00:13:57.752 --> 00:13:59.208
- It\'s a mallard!
00:13:59.209 --> 00:14:01.666
- Oh, it\'s alive!
00:14:01.667 --> 00:14:03.625
- It\'s so cute.
00:14:03.626 --> 00:14:05.625
Oh, oh, oh!
00:14:05.626 --> 00:14:06.833
- What\'s the matter with you?
00:14:06.834 --> 00:14:08.416
- Look!
00:14:08.417 --> 00:14:11.791
- How are we going to eat
it if we don\'t kill it?
00:14:11.792 --> 00:14:13.998
- I\'m never going to
shoot birds again.
00:14:13.999 --> 00:14:16.333
It\'s so gross.
00:14:16.334 --> 00:14:17.667
- Stop being such pansies.
00:14:20.999 --> 00:14:23.666
My uncle used to take
me on partridge shoots,
00:14:23.667 --> 00:14:25.917
and I just walked with him
in this beautiful weather
00:14:25.918 --> 00:14:28.416
and wilderness.
00:14:28.417 --> 00:14:30.625
As children I want
them to know the beauty
00:14:30.626 --> 00:14:36.208
of this country, which is what
I loved when I was growing up.
00:14:36.209 --> 00:14:40.958
My oldest son always begs
me to get out of politics.
00:14:40.959 --> 00:14:45.750
His fear is that something
will happen to me.
00:14:45.751 --> 00:14:48.124
When Benazir got
assassinated, it
00:14:48.125 --> 00:14:49.876
was so difficult to console him.
00:14:52.542 --> 00:14:54.208
I weighed all this out.
00:14:54.209 --> 00:14:56.374
Do I want this life?
00:14:56.375 --> 00:15:00.041
But once I took decision
that whatever comes with it,
00:15:00.042 --> 00:15:02.958
you have to accept it.
00:15:02.959 --> 00:15:05.375
If you want to live in Pakistan,
you have to fight for it.
00:15:26.083 --> 00:15:31.374
- Vaneeza is many things:
an actress, a supermodel,
00:15:31.375 --> 00:15:35.333
a television producer, and
one of Pakistan\'s leading
00:15:35.334 --> 00:15:36.542
independent fabric designers.
00:17:35.792 --> 00:17:38.751
(WOMAN ON TV SPEAKING URDU)
00:19:35.584 --> 00:19:36.918
- Laiba is a Yousafzai.
00:19:40.083 --> 00:19:44.249
Her ancestors were members of a
Pashtun tribe from Afghanistan
00:19:44.250 --> 00:19:46.750
that migrated here
a century ago,
00:19:46.751 --> 00:19:51.416
before the borders of
Pakistan were defined.
00:19:51.417 --> 00:19:55.291
These people made the same
crossing decades later,
00:19:55.292 --> 00:19:59.374
seeking refuge from the Russian
war against the mujahideen,
00:19:59.375 --> 00:20:04.208
and have lived here in
Jalozai for 30 years.
00:20:04.209 --> 00:20:06.041
Under pressure from
the US government...
00:20:06.042 --> 00:20:09.249
Who believe this camp
harbors terrorists...
00:20:09.250 --> 00:20:12.875
Pakistan is shutting it down,
and forcing the refugees
00:20:12.876 --> 00:20:14.042
to return to Afghanistan.
00:21:39.918 --> 00:21:42.375
(CALL TO PRAYER BEING RECITED)
00:23:19.417 --> 00:23:22.375
(SINGING)
00:26:58.292 --> 00:27:02.583
- In 1987, Imran led the
national cricket team
00:27:02.584 --> 00:27:07.416
to its first victory against
India, its longtime rival.
00:27:07.417 --> 00:27:10.917
When he returned, millions of
people thronged the streets
00:27:10.918 --> 00:27:14.249
to greet him, chanting
\"Fateh Hind\"...
00:27:14.250 --> 00:27:18.583
\"the conqueror of India.\"
00:27:18.584 --> 00:27:22.208
In 2007, when Imran
declared his opposition
00:27:22.209 --> 00:27:25.374
to General Musharraf,
Pakistani troops
00:27:25.375 --> 00:27:28.998
arrested him, claiming he
was a threat to the peace.
00:27:28.999 --> 00:27:31.918
(CHANTING)
00:28:33.999 --> 00:28:36.501
(CHEERING)
00:30:20.250 --> 00:30:22.751
(SINGING)
00:33:07.709 --> 00:33:11.998
- I\'ve lived outside of
Pakistan for a third of my life.
00:33:11.999 --> 00:33:15.458
I witnessed the last days
of the USSR in Moscow,
00:33:15.459 --> 00:33:19.875
the breakup of Yugoslavia, and
the civil war that followed.
00:33:19.876 --> 00:33:22.291
And now, I have come
home to a situation
00:33:22.292 --> 00:33:26.082
where anything is possible.
00:33:26.083 --> 00:33:29.000
(MUSIC PLAYING)
00:33:42.751 --> 00:33:44.875
- Where are all the ushers?
00:33:44.876 --> 00:33:47.876
Can I meet them all in
the lounge area, please?
00:33:53.834 --> 00:33:56.458
- No, we\'re calling them up and
they\'re saying, \"Sorry, there\'s
00:33:56.459 --> 00:33:56.999
a bomb blast.
00:33:57.000 --> 00:34:05.000
We can\'t come.\"
00:34:27.417 --> 00:34:28.667
- Don\'t give up so easily!
00:35:53.542 --> 00:35:55.833
- I\'m not political.
00:35:55.834 --> 00:35:58.333
I think this a country
going up in flames.
00:35:58.334 --> 00:35:59.334
No, I\'m not political.
00:36:02.209 --> 00:36:05.917
If you\'re part of a human
society and there\'s injustice,
00:36:05.918 --> 00:36:08.750
everyone will be political
except two types:
00:36:08.751 --> 00:36:12.667
the selfish and the timid, the
materialist and the cowardly.
00:36:16.292 --> 00:36:19.625
It\'s like saying I\'m an
animal, because animals
00:36:19.626 --> 00:36:20.626
are non-political.
00:48:44.792 --> 00:48:47.751
(CHEERING)
00:50:03.834 --> 00:50:05.416
- Just stay here,
I\'m just coming.
00:50:05.417 --> 00:50:06.417
Just get that ironed.
00:50:26.584 --> 00:50:27.750
What did he want me to do?
00:50:27.751 --> 00:50:28.833
What happened?
00:50:28.834 --> 00:50:29.876
Lights, lights, lights...
00:51:27.083 --> 00:51:29.626
(SINGING)
00:55:05.250 --> 00:55:07.917
- One, two, three,
one, two, three...
00:55:07.918 --> 00:55:10.584
(SINGING)
