Written by: Areej Ahmed
Posted on: October 25, 2019 | 
| 中文
(Right) Ustaad Naseeruddin Sami and (Left) Goga Sain (photo credits to Goethe-Institut Pakistan)
“Closer to God”, a Swiss production written and directed by Annette Berger, premiered at the iconic Capri Cinema, Karachi. The screening took place on Saturday and was hosted by the Goethe-Institut Pakistan. The documentary took over 12 years to complete, taking the cast and crew all over the country. After being showcased at various film festivals in Europe, the documentary has finally arrived in the country from where it all began. The film was also followed by a Q&A session with the director and the crew, in which they talked about their motivations for making the film.
The story revolves around the spiritual journeys of two men, who conceptualize spirituality in different yet concurrent ways. It gives a little bit of insight about the Pakistani culture and heritage, which is tough to narrow down, considering the many traditions and sects of Islam within the region. The videography is beautiful and raw, pulling one into a world that is slowly disappearing.
A Dhamal (Celebration) at a Shrine
Ustaad Sami, a 68-year-old musician from a 700-year-old musical dynasty. He is a keeper of a century-old musical tradition that specializes in singing Ragas, the classical form of music from South Asia. He explains that the atmosphere, time and weather are an integral part of performing a raga. Ustaad Sami has a voice of gold, even during his everyday conversations, he speaks with as much beauty as he sings.
His belief is that music should be peaceful, so that one can understand the “sur” (musical scale). In order to master the craft, he emphasizes one’s state of mind and the need to find solace in oneself, not just one’s ability to sing. Ustaad Sami’s journey is one of preservation, as he fears this art form is being lost to money and material considerations. Along with his sons and the crew, he travels all around Pakistan to pass his knowledge and skills to a newer generation, who could keep his musical tradition alive.
Musicians Gathered Around the Shrine (photo credits to Goethe-Institut Pakistan)
On the other hand, Gogha Sain is a dervish (mystic), who has stripped himself from all worldly desires. He has dedicated his life to a voyage in the name of God, and with the aim to ease people’s hardships, in an effort to find lifelong peace. Starting from his hometown in Rawalpindi, he walks barefoot through the deserts to southern Pakistan. He has weighted rings around his ankles, and he prays at each holy shrine he sees, no matter the religion or sect to which it belongs. He remains resolute, despite the fact that he started with a 40-man group, but will end his journey alone.
Gogha Sain explained that he is misunderstood by the people in his community, who have labeled him as a madman and an addict. "Although Gogha is a Shia dervish, the film does not linger onto this identity. For him, the path to God does not have the boundaries of sect and religion. Gogha Sain’s on-screen presence and charisma is so strong, that one feels ready to join him and learn from his dedication.
Gogha Sain's Weighted Ankles
This documentary compels the viewer to go on an inner journey, asking them to reassess their relationship with themselves and God. But, it also emphasizes that a person can find peace within themselves via this personal relationship with God. It is only through that peace, and knowing of oneself that they can begin to respect and understand other people.
Ustaad’s Sami and Gogha Sain’s words resonate because of the crew’s careful decision to emphasize them, as opposed to offering an external commentary about them. The cinematography, which was brilliantly done by Lars Barthel, showcased the different parts of the country in all its richness and color.
Goga Sain Crossing the Desert
“Closer to God” attempted to shine a more positive and introspective light about Pakistan, and the variations of mysticism and Islam found within the area. In the Q&A, the crew explained that they wanted to make this film to counter the negative stereotypes of Pakistan as an extremist and barren land. Berger explained that this is not a movie about superheroes or something outlandish, but it is about real people who attempt to make their lives more meaningful through searching for something spiritual and enlightening.
Watch the trailer for the film on Youlin’s Video of the Week.
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