The Frontier Gandhi: Badshah Khan, a Torch for Peace (2009)
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- Synopsis:
Twenty-three years in the making, film (a feature length documentary 92 minutes) launches into orbit the epic story of a remarkable Muslim peacemaker born into Pashtun warrior society of the North-West Frontier Province of what is now Pakistan. Pronounced “a miracle” by Mahatma Gandhi, Badshah Khan raised a 100,000 strong nonviolent army of men, women, and youngsters drawn from the multi-ethnic traditions of Afghanistan and India - Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Parsees, Sikhs, and Buddhists - who came together in the cause of peace, justice, and human dignity for all. In partnership with Mahatma Gandhi, Khan led a nonviolent resistance movement against British colonial rule in the first half of the 20th century. Nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize, Badshah Khan’s improbable life and story remain little known. He died in 1988 at the age of 98 having spent nearly 35 years in solitary confinement for his efforts to humanize humanity. Filmed in Afghanistan, Khyber Pass, Pakistan including NWFP, India, United States, and Canada, the film includes rare historical footage, surprisingly candid interviews with world leaders, testimony from 72 of Badshah Khan’s nonviolent warriors - all beyond the age of 100 years - and a score by acclaimed world music pioneer David Amram. Legendary Indian actor, Om Puri, brings alive the thoughts and writings of Badshah Khan. Badshah Khan’s example and legacy advance a greater, broader, and inspired understanding of what is currently perceived as Muslim, Afghan, and Pashtun. His heroic life offers a profound message of hope for these increasingly troubled times. - Genres:
- Documentary