We’re all goats, no exaggeration needed.
This phrase echoes the sentiment expressed in the Indian film ‘The Goat Life,’ which sparked outrage and indignation among Saudis.
Shown on Netflix and achieving significant box office success, ‘The Goat Life’ caused a widespread stir on social media due to its controversial storyline.
The film depicts events that Saudis deemed offensive, particularly those related to the ‘kafala’ (sponsorship) system. The ‘kafala’ system, a framework where employers (the ‘kafeel’ or sponsors) bring in foreign workers and are responsible for them, has been criticized for granting sponsors a high degree of control over their workers. This control has been compared to the treatment of slaves in ancient times, raising concerns about power imbalances and potential exploitation.
Inspired by a true story, the film follows the journey of Najeeb, an Indian young man who traveled to Saudi Arabia seeking employment. Upon arrival, Najeeb was deceived by a Saudi individual who falsely claimed to be his sponsor. He was subsequently taken to the desert to herd sheep and goats, where he endured harsh and oppressive conditions for years. Deprived of necessities, Najeeb lived alongside the goats, to the point of losing his language and adopting their gestures and behaviors as a means of communication.
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