SON OF A LION

Australia, 2007, 92 minutes, Colour.
Niaz Khan Shinwari, Sher Alam Miskeen Ustad.
Directed by Benjamin Gilmour.

Some of a Lion is an impressive film, well worth seeing.

The writer-director, Benjamin Gilmour, had little experience of filmmaking before he went to live amongst the Pushtan tribes of north-western Pakistan. He collaborated with locals to make this film, using some of them in the key roles.

The context is Pakistan at the beginning of the 21st century, its long traditions, the role of the Mujahadeen in defying the Russian forces occupying Afghanistan. The Pushtans produce rifles and ammunition, continuing their warlike tradition. This is seen in the character of the father, who fought against the Russians, who is a devout and strict Muslim, who has a strong work ethic and imposes it on his only son.

The son symbolises the hopes and dreams of Pakistanis in the 21st century, respecting traditions, but not living the life of their ancestors, hard at work, with no education. In the middle is the father’s brother who had killed somebody in an accident and had to move to Peshawar where he lives a contemporary life and wants to enable his nephew to enrol in school.

One of the great advantages of the film is its location photography, the beautiful mountain scenery, life in the small town, the contrast with Peshawar.

The film is respectful of Islam but is also critical of its more puritanical interpretations of the Koran.

Interestingly, the film has various characters discuss the role of the United States in the Middle East, discussions about Iraq, Saddam Hussein, Osama bin Laden, and financial support to leaders in Pakistan.

The film offers an opportunity for audiences to immerse themselves in this particular way of life in Pakistan and its perspective. That it was made by an Australian is quite significant.

1. The quality of the film, the perspective on Pakistan, the North West Frontier, the 21st century, the historical heritage, change, the future? For the Pushtans?

2. An Australian production, the director going to Pakistan and wanting to make a film, the local collaboration, the dangers of filming for the director, his crew and the performers? The Australian perspective on Pakistan?

3. The impact of the location photography, the North West Frontier, the town, the streets and shops, homes, the mountains and scenery? Peshawar, modern, the streets, offices, school, Niaz and his wandering the streets?

4. The atmosphere after September 11, 2001? after the invasion of of Afghanistan? Iraq? The discussions about these events? Saddam Hussein, weapons of mass destruction? About Osama bin Laden?

5. Attitudes towards the United States? Critique?

6. The title, Niaz and his father, and the relationship between the two? The father, the old traditions, a member of the Mujahadeen, its history, fighting against the Russians, defeating them? The Pushtan and making weapons? The military experience? The father hard on his son, severe work ethic, his having no schooling, therefore his son having no schooling? The boy, softer than his father? Parents and their expectations, children and their different dreams? The Muslim background, the father’s puritanical attitudes, prayer and rituals, the slaughter of the animal? Quoting the Koran?

7. Old Pakistan, the country town, the mountains? Shooting in the mountains? Working, making the guns? Niaz and his work with the artist? The television and the dancing girl, the father turning it off? The grandmother, keeping house, the way of life, the harshness? No escape for Niaz?

8. Pakistan, the political situation, the tribes, the warlords and chiefs, the remoteness of the capital? Peshawar as the local centre? American patronage of politicians?

9. Islam, devout following, the mats on the highway, prayer? The traditions, the Koran… Going to China to seek out knowledge…? The presence of the Taliban? Rigorous and puritanical attitudes?

10. Niaz, age 11, his being bullied, not having brothers and sisters, dependence on his father, his skill in shooting, his work? His uncle? The visit to Peshawar, going to the school, seeing the children, their asking questions about munitions? The boy and the music? Niaz and his love of music? Going to the dentist, the consultation and experts? The artist, Niaz and his decision to run away?

11. The father, not understanding anything about education, the grandmother and her care?

12. The uncle, his daughter, the uncle’s past history, the shooting accident, his having to leave the town, to go to Peshawar? The rumours about him?

13. The father going to the artist, not approving the artist?

14. The local shops, the handwork and Diaz participating?

15. The bully, Pite, his being beaten and Niaz helping with the injuries? Pite’s father and Niaz’s father asking him to stop the bullying? Expressing gratitude for Niaz helping with his son?

16. The issue of school, the enrolment, the principal and his phone call to the uncle? The uncle phoning his brother?

17. The local shopkeeper, hash?

18. The dentists – serious and humorous?

19. The father and his final decision, asking how long it would take to learn to read? Niaz and the possibility of a future and a different Pakistan?