'The Goat Life' Film Ignites Controversy Over Saudi Labor System
Rabat – "This film does not offend any country, people, society, or race," declares the opening statement of "The Goat Life," an Indian film currently streaming on Netflix.
The film claims to be inspired by the true story of "Najeeb," an Indian worker who migrated to Saudi Arabia in the early 1990s. What was supposed to be an opportunity for a better life turned into a nightmare, as Najeeb found himself trapped under the control of a fictitious sponsor, enduring three years of forced labor and inhumane conditions in the desert before finally escaping.
The filmmakers' preemptive statement seems to be an attempt to brace against the backlash that has emerged, especially from audiences in the Gulf and Saudi Arabia.
The film has reignited discussions about Saudi Arabia’s “Kafala” or sponsorship system, which has long been criticized by humanitarian organizations and international human rights groups for its potential to lead to the exploitation and abuse of foreign workers.
Social media in Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations, particularly in the Gulf, has been abuzz with reactions. Supporters of the film argue that it sheds light on the harsh realities faced by foreign workers and exposes the flaws in the sponsorship system in Saudi Arabia.
Conversely, critics contend that the film is a fictionalized account meant to damage Saudi Arabia’s reputation, especially during a time when the nation is preparing to host major global events like the 2034 World Cup.
The film begins with Najeeb Muhammad, a young man from Kerala, India, who dreams of providing a better future for his unborn child. After struggling to secure a visa, he and his brother land jobs with a Saudi company. However, upon arriving in Jeddah, their lives take a dark and unexpected turn.
Najeeb’s sponsor forces him to live alone in the desert, where his only companions are goats. Over time, Najeeb becomes emotionally numb and loses his sense of identity. The film vividly portrays his harrowing three-year ordeal and his eventual escape.
Directed by Indian filmmaker Blessy Ipe Thomas, "The Goat Life" has garnered widespread acclaim and achieved considerable success. It has topped the charts as one of the most-watched films in several countries worldwide.
The film initially flew under the radar when it was first released in March and even when it became a sensation on Netflix in July. However, the release of the Arabic translation in August has significantly increased its viewership in Arab countries, leading to heightened reactions and making it a trending topic on social media in the Gulf region in recent days.
In addition to its critique of the Saudi sponsorship system, the film has faced heavy criticism for allegedly offending Arabs broadly. It has been accused of portraying the Saudi Bedouin character in a negative light, depicting him as “greedy, harsh, miserly, deceitful, and unclean.”
