City of Fear
It is October 2009 and the city of Islamabad is on high alert. As a new wave of violence shakes Pakistan, suicide bombers hit at the city’s UN World Food Programme office and Islamic University.
Beginning with these attacks, City of Fear spends a year in Islamabad to witness how Pakistani citizens and police are dealing with the new realities of terrorism in their country.
Amber was sitting in the university café when the blast went off. Badly injured herself, she must also cope with the death of her best friend Aqsa who had been sitting beside her.
Tahir’s wife Gul was killed in the UN blast. He is struggling alone, within a Pakistani culture of silence that discourages victims and survivors from speaking out.
All the while, the film also follows the work of the Islamabad Capital Police force, hunting down those responsible for the bombings and trying to stop more attacks.
With unprecedented access and moving direct-to-camera interviews, City of Fear provides a fascinating insight into Pakistan’s war on terrorism.
RUNTIME:
48 Minutes
PRODUCER:
Cathy Scott Clark
DIRECTOR:
Chris Eley
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
Brian Woods
RELEASED:
2010
Awards
Shortlisted – AIB Awards 2011 – Current Affairs Documentary (international) category - in 2011
Reviews
"A disturbing insight into a normally closed world."
The Observer
"A timely reminder of life outside the western bubble."
John Crace, The Guardian
"An intelligently made yet shocking report from a city increasingly steeped in the blood of the innocent."
UK TV Guide