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Musharraf documentary 'Insha'Allah Democracy' screens at Karachi's Capri Cinema

Musharraf documentary 'Insha'Allah Democracy' screens at Karachi's Capri Cinema

If I just wanted to criticise Musharraf it would have been really boring, says filmmaker Mo Naqvi
25 Mar, 2019

Back in 2010, documentary filmmaker Mohammad Ali Naqvi, aka Mo, decided to chronicle his personal journey of exploring the evolution of Pakistani democracy in the lead up to the 2013 general election.

During this time he had unprecedented access to interviewing and documenting the candidates, including former president Gen Musharraf, who was in self-imposed exile in Dubai. The final product of this journey — Inshallah Democracy — was screened at Capri cinema on Sunday morning.

The screening was organised by Goethe Institut in collaboration with the Documentary Association of Pakistan. Two short films Ghungroo and Ganda Nala, which were part of a project by Goethe Institut, were also previewed before the screening of Mr Naqvi’s film.

Also read: Banned docu 'Among The Believers' privately screened in Karachi

“When I began the film I had this idea in my head that it would be a simple comeback story reminiscent of Richard III where you have this Shakespearean former leader [Gen Musharraf] ridiculed in irrelevancy and trying for a comeback and dealing with his own demons and it was more of a tragic piece,” he said talking to the audience after the screening.

“That is kind of what I was going for, but when I actually started filming and the more I saw…for me to actually ignore the footage I was getting was becoming more and more difficult. It wasn’t tragic, it was quite hilarious,” he added.

A scene from the documentary — White Star
A scene from the documentary — White Star

The film which took five years to make also looks at Karachi’s evolution from the 1990s. The film opens with gruesome footage of a sectarian attack which shocks the audience but adds contexts for a post 9/11 generation. What is striking about the film is how Mr Naqvi has woven himself into the narrative.

Talking about this, he said: “I hadn’t intended to put myself in the story and remember when I started the story I was all about Musharraf and thought yes, he is the best. Through the film I actually go through a change myself and realise, haha, I was wrong and that is what this film is about.”

He added: “If I just wanted to criticise Musharraf it would have been really boring…it wouldn’t be a narrative. He’s kind of a one note guy…what was interesting is that my relationship was evolving and I was evolving in my own political consciousness so that became an intentional decision, but I didn’t arrive at that decision till the very end.”

And that is exactly what held the audience spellbound for more than an hour on Sunday morning.

Two sisters, Fatima and Tasneem, thoroughly enjoyed the film. As avid filmgoers, they were quite excited to watch Mo Naqvi’s fifth film.

“We — as a common person — learnt a lot about former president Pervez Musharraf and his time in power. I am a housewife and did not know a lot of things about democracy, politics and how the government was being run and after watching Inshallah Democracy I feel that I have learnt something new,” said Tasneem.

Her older sister, Fatima, a retired librarian said, “He [Mo Naqvi, the film’s director] gave a very personal view and I think it helped us understand him, the film’s subject and our country,” she said.


Originally published in Dawn, March 25th, 2019

Comments

Sab Se Pehle Pakistan Mar 25, 2019 11:18am
Great and honest man. What a golden era it was for Pakistan. The miss your leadership General Parvaiz Musharraf.
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Saqib Mar 25, 2019 11:19am
Democracy by a dictator... The Irony.
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Imtiaz Ali Khan Mar 25, 2019 11:28am
President of Pakistan Honorable President Musharraf is one of the Best president and a visionary leader Pakistan has produced after Gen Ayub Khan, more industrialization was done in Pakistan than any other leader by President Honorable Musharraf. Thank you for your great leadership . Salute Sir!
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M. Saeed Mar 25, 2019 01:54pm
According to Imran Khan's vision, Musharraf was a 90% clean and 100% patriotic person.
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Imtiaz Ali Khan Mar 25, 2019 02:16pm
President Honorable Pervez Musharraf gives us hope that Pakistan is capable of producing such high quality intellectual leader. Salute! Pakistan Zindabad, Pak Fauj Paindabad!
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Imtiaz Ali Khan Mar 25, 2019 02:19pm
@M. Saeed We Love our Honorable Imran Khan Prime Minister of Pakistan
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Rabia Mar 25, 2019 05:48pm
Something told me when I first heard and saw him at 3 am on 12th Oct as CEO of pakistan after the military coup that Pakistan is in safe hands though I was only 9 years old. Turns out that little girl who has absolutely no idea what politics is that time, was absolutely rite. Love and respect General shb...
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TooTrue Mar 26, 2019 03:35am
His big failure was to not rid Pakistan of the influence of illiterate mullahas who poison the minds of simpletons. He was in a perfect position to wipe this menace of the map.
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ABC Mar 26, 2019 05:03am
Love you Sir!
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Omair Mar 26, 2019 05:17am
Stanley Wolpert the author of Jinnah of Pakistan consider Musharaf best man after Quad.
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HashBrown® Mar 26, 2019 07:09pm
@TooTrue Yes, fully agree. Ironically, in the end he actually endorsed the mullahs in return for getting their vote. A man who could have been great, but ultimately let himself become another victim to power politics...
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PakistaniPakistani Mar 27, 2019 12:52pm
The architect of the dreaded NRO which let all the ghouls free to roam and rule the country. Hard to forgive and forget this particular legacy of Mr. Musharaf.
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Shez Apr 01, 2019 01:29pm
Gen. Musharraf; my hero after M.A. Jinnah. Genuinely cares for the country and not afraid to show it. Great leader. Salute!
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