Watch Without Shepherds

Without Shepherds is a 2013 documentary-style film that delves into the complexities of life in contemporary Pakistan. Directed by Cary McClelland and shot over the course of three years, the movie is primarily centered around the lives of seven individuals from different backgrounds, professions, and cities within Pakistan. The movie starts with a series of time-lapses of the bustling streets of different Pakistani cities, set to a haunting score. We are gradually introduced to the film's main protagonists. There is Imran Khan, a sports star and former cricketer turned politician who is looking to shake up the status quo in Pakistani politics. Then there is Naeem, a low-level employee at a mosque in Pakistan's northwest, grappling with his country's complex relationship with religion. We meet Simone, a fiery human rights lawyer, and Asad, a musician trying to make a name for himself on the Pakistani music scene. The film also follows the music legend Arieb Azhar, renowned artist Sheema Kermani, and street performer and cobbler Abdullah Khan, as they navigate their lives in a rapidly changing society.

One of the most striking things about Without Shepherds is its candid portrayal of life in Pakistan, with all its contradictions and complexities. The film combines intimate personal stories with a larger commentary on the state of the country's politics, religion, and culture. The directors use a mix of interviews, fly-on-the-wall observation, and voiceover narration to weave a tapestry of diverse experiences, perspectives, and opinions.

Imran Khan's story is one of the most compelling, as we see him both on the campaign trail and in his private life. He is fiercely critical of the Pakistani government and the military establishment, and he is determined to challenge their grip on power through his political party, Tehreek-e-Insaf. The film shows Khan's rallies and speeches, which are attended by thousands of enthusiastic supporters, and we also see him dealing with the challenges of being a single father to his two children.

We also get a glimpse into the lives of working-class Pakistanis, like Naeem and Abdullah Khan, who are struggling to make ends meet in a society with limited opportunities. Naeem's story is particularly fascinating, as we see him trying to reconcile his faith with the actions of the Taliban, who he considers to be un-Islamic. Abdullah Khan, on the other hand, is a self-made entrepreneur of sorts, who spends his days repairing shoes and performing street magic tricks to make ends meet. Through his story, we see the resilience and creativity of many ordinary Pakistanis.

The film's female protagonists, Sheema Kermani and Simone, are also noteworthy, as we see them challenging gender norms and fighting for women's rights in a deeply patriarchal society. Sheema Kermani is a classical dancer and feminist activist who has been pushing boundaries in Pakistan since the 1970s. Simone, meanwhile, is a human rights lawyer who is representing women who have been accused of adultery, a crime that carries severe penalties in Pakistan. Their stories highlight the struggles of women in Pakistan, but also their determination to push for change.

Lastly, there is Arieb Azhar, the Sufi singer who has become one of Pakistan's most loved musicians. We see Azhar performing in cafes and on the streets, as well as speaking passionately about his love for Sufism, and the importance of music in Pakistani culture.

Overall, Without Shepherds is a powerful and thought-provoking film that provides a nuanced and intimate look into the lives of ordinary Pakistanis. The movie is an excellent example of how film can be used to tell complex stories, and it succeeds in capturing the spirit of a country that is often misunderstood or reduced to stereotypes. The cinematography is beautiful and the soundtrack haunting, making for a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally engaging.

Without Shepherds is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.