At the Muslim International Film Festival this year, one film stood out for its ability to blend the fantastical with the brutally real: Ghost School.
This captivating feature follows a ten-year-old girl who refuses to accept the closure of her education, battling not just institutional neglect but an otherworldly infestation by jinn. But beneath the spectral surface of this imaginative tale lies a far more profound exploration: the devastating impact of corruption on the education of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable children.
The narrative skillfully uses a seemingly impossible scenario to spotlight a very grounded, scary reality—the systemic failures that deny these children access to basic learning opportunities. It forces the audience to look at real-world inequalities through a uniquely haunting lens.
Filmmaker Seemab Gul approached us shortly before the festival to discuss both the creative process and the powerful message of her work. She shared insights into the immense undertaking of producing such a feature, especially as it marked her first major directorial effort after creating numerous short films.
Gul took on the roles of writer, director, producer, and even acted in the film herself. This level of creative responsibility is a monumental task, and she candidly acknowledged the challenge of managing such a large project for the first time.
“Ghost School” is described as a very long story, emphasizing the depth required to tackle the themes of corruption and education effectively. While financing was already secured for the initial stages, bringing this vision to fruition involved navigating complex logistical hurdles.
Despite the fictional elements, Gul’s story serves as a stark reminder that the struggles faced by marginalized communities are intensely real. Her work successfully transforms an abstract concept—the struggle for knowledge—into a deeply personal and unforgettable experience.
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Credit: Eye For Film
