Muhammad Usama
A letter from Death ROW: Life after prison in Pakistan (2019) is bone-chilling thriller movie by Tazeen Bari who is documentary producer, director as well as cinematographer hailing from Pakistan. This movie is about a man, named Farooque Mazhar from Kasur, who spends most of his adutlhood, approximately two decades on death row, in which he faces lots of hardship and witnesses injustice happening there. He was imprisoned when he was just 22 years old, a university student at such age. His father was brutally murdered, he compelled to assume the responsibility to inherit his father’s land; However, luck wasn’t in his favour too, he couldn’t obtain, and was accused of murdering a local man, though no tangible proof turned out to be. He says,“ his name was replaced with one of suspects and the medical report also lacked evidence The murder weapon was also not his. Being an educated person, he would send a letters to his family and his mother in particular during his prison. He makes his mother assured of being acquitted soon. He made many appeals to Lahore High Court, but it annuled his appeal. After that he did to Supreme court. He received death penality. After languising in prison untill 21 years, he finally gets freedom with Supreme Court hands down its judgement, revoking the case he was implicated in, when he wrote a letter to Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan, telling about his condition. Moreover, he states, “ After living 21 years in an eight-by-eight foot cell the world seems very strange. I could not even walk properly and would bump into things. Even a caged lion can’t walk when set free”. In this movie he talks about Pakistan justice system, saying “In Pakistan, whoever is politically strong can exert influence. In jails, in court, everywhere. An ordinary person can’t do anything”. One of the beautiful and undeniable truth, he lucubrates,“ justice delayed is justice denied, indeed has striking resemblance to Pakistan Justice system. Why is the issue important and needs world’s attention? There are various reasons this issue draws much global attention for; human rights and dignity, second chances and redemption, global perspective on capital punishment. The difficulties, agony and pain, endured or encountered by those convicted who have been acquitted and released from death row and the ethical ramifications of the death penalty highlight how crucial it is to maintain human rights and treat everyone with dignity. The documentary reveals the severe conditions these people must contend with, igniting debates about fairness of law, provision of justice and humane treament. The experiences of people like Mazhar Farooq encourage society to think about how even those who have been found guilty of terrible crimes may be capable of reform and redemption. The film urges more investigation into the question of whether a system that prioritizes second chances and rehabilitation is more efficient than one that primarily seeks vengeance. The film sheds a light on the impact of capital punishment on person, his families, and society as a whole. This perspective is especially important in regions where the death penalty is still practiced, as it contributes to the ongoing global conversation about its moral implications and effectiveness as a deterrent. This viewpoint is crucial because it adds to the ongoing discussion concerning the moral ramifications and deterrent power of the death sentence around the world, especially in places where it is still used. Ethical dilemma: Ethics of capital punishment is presented in the movie, sentencing individual to death means going against right to live. It is moral obligation for the society to protect its individual’s lives, rather than taking it, to provide prosperity, rather than inflicting pain. Is it morally justifiable to claim individual’s live ? Death penalty poses moral dilemmas. Risk of illegal execution is also gigantic ethical concern,as of Mazhar being implicated in the murder of local man without any evidence, Whether the possibility of fatal errors justifies the maintenance of a system that raises the possibility of wrongful execution is the moral conundrum presented in this situation. Cruel treatment, while being languished in prison for a longer period, also highlights pychological toll that have had upon individual. Moreover, filmmaker addresses these ethical complexities promptly when she shows us the scene of Mzhar being proffered justice and acquitted. In addition, these dilemmas can also have bad impact upon documentary; long after they have finished watching the documentary, ethical dilemma promote discussion and debate. Justice, human rights, and society values are brought up in conversation as a result of the content. Cultural impact: The setting of film is held in Pakistan, where diverse/ complex culture and social landscape is rooted. Cultural moores, principles, ethical values and societal dynamics are significantly uprooted, it offers a venue as to explore how concerns with the judicial system, such as incarceration and the death penalty, affect Pakistan’s cultural identity. A wider range of societal injustices are highlighted by the documentary’s examination of the moral complexities surrounding death row. It could draw attention to inequalities in the legal system, access to counsel, and socioeconomic issues that may have an impact on how people interact with the legal system. Audience impowerment: Movie encourages viewers to know the harsh reality of society where death penalty is practiced. Educate yourself in order to have a better understanding of justice. In additon, movies creates emotional connections within audience by sharing experiences of an individual who faces hardships being in death row, so it( movie) encourages them to show your sympathy with the person and his family who endured great challenges. Moreover, this documentary causes its audience to reflect on the issues related to ethical dilemma: human rights, justice, capital punishment and complexities of justice system. This thought process and brainstorming will enhance audience’s critical thinking and rational thinking. Alternative perspective: As a result of opposing points of view, the audience may be forced to consider difficult moral decisions and ethical issues. This might prompt more introspection about morality and a better comprehension of the problems at hand. Furthermore, this documentary maintained balanced approach instead of just adoptig biased approach in a very effective way. At first, Mazhar gets no justice but in the end, he gets freedom and justice. By doing so, this documentary highlights balanced outlook. Handling contrasting viewpoints helps avoid the perception of bias or one-sidedness. It gives the documentary a more objective and credible stance, as it acknowledges the complexities of the issue. To handle divergent opinions tend to help get rid of plunging into the thought of baised or partial approach, and lends the documentary a more impartial and trustworthy attitude. Symbolism and metaphor: An eight by eight foot cell he, along with other prisoners being confined, symbolizes emotional and pychological entrapment endured by individuals confined to death row. Moreover, the obstacles of reintegrating into society and the fight for freedom may be showed through this imagery. Communication through letters can be helpful even in prison. It also plays vibrant role in narrative, while we can see it from documentary’title. Use, or exchange of letters in the movie symbolizes cordial connection amongst his families. This underscore the need of communication, though being in behind the bar or after incarceration. As a symbol of confinement and restriction, handcuffs may be a potent visual metaphor that helps the viewer understand and relate to the subject matter more deeply in a number of ways. Handcuffs symbolizes lack of freedom and a trying experience a prison suffers physically and mentally. Handcuffs as a metaphor is also depicted as freedom, personal transformation when Mazhar, at the end, is removed out off handcuffs. An interdisciplinary approach : Given the pychological approach, the documentary can explore the psychological implications of protracted incarceration, isolation, and the difficulties prisoners encounter when adjusting to life after prison. The characteristics of agony, pain, trauma, anxiety, and mental health that are closely related to the experiences of persons on death row can be deeply digged.Furthermore, Considering historical context can help us comprehend how the death penalty, judicial institutions, and society perceptions of crime and punishment have changed through time. The documentary can provide further light on the topic by looking at historical patterns and case examples. The documentary’s analysis of the underlying causes of criminal activities, the factors that contribute to regression of crimes, and the success of rehabilitation attempts can all be aided by understanding of criminology. Discussions about subsiding crimes and the intent behind punishment can reap benefit from this multidisciplinary approach.Sociology can be used in an interdisciplinary approach to investigate how the justice system affects marginalized groups, how social institutions shape people’s pathways to death row, and the difficulties people have reintegrating into society after being released. Documentary as advocacy: This documentary serves as advocacy, for it raises awareness, educate and engage audience emotionally and intellectually. It aims to cast light on critical issues; by presenting fact based data, real-life experiences, and captivating storytelling, it seeks to educate viewers about certain issues, question the status quo, and demand change. Emotional resonance: People who have spent much longer time on death row, like Mazhar himsefl are expected to share their own experiences in the documentary. By making the subjects more relatable, these narratives help the audience feel for the characters’ tribulations, aspirations, and difficulties, evoking emotional sentiments.As for as my observation is concerned, both soundtrack and music also plays important role in setting emotional tone. Selection of music and the use of silence amplify specific scenes, like enhancing the viewers’ emotional experience, likwise in this documentray. The tone of music is relatable to the scene of prison, evoking emotions withins audiences.Tension and emotional involvement can be produced by presenting conflicts, both internal and external. This tension keeps viewers interested in the stories’ developments and conclusions, with emotional feelings at pinnacle. Legacy and influence: The documentary plays role in maintining legacy as an ongoing advocacy campaigns about the death penalty, ex-offenders’ reintegration, and criminal justice reform. It might motivate viewers to join movements for change and participate in policy debates.The documentary’s ethical and emotional issues may serve as an inspiration for writers and artists working in a variety of media to explore related subjects. The stories and problems shown in the movie may serve as inspiration for works of literature, visual art, music, and theater. The whole of episode presented in the documentary can help empower persons, who have coped with similar challenges. Former prisoners, activists, and organizations might draw strength from the film’s narratives to continue their efforts for change. The stories in the movie might inspire ex-offenders, activists, and groups to keep up their fight for justice.
