God's Own Country

1 Writer

Additional Project Info

"God's Own Country" is a gripping exploration of the intertwining lives of Desi migrant laborers and their families, set against the unforgiving backdrop of the Middle East. The series spans 14 years and traverses four countries, delving into the personal and collective struggles of its central characters—Shayan, Adeel, Zoha, and Shiva. The narrative begins in 2011, in the United Kingdom, where we meet Shayan, a young British South Asian punk rocker. He is seen wandering onto a pier in a dissociative state following a concert. Shayan’s emotional turmoil and PTSD are palpable, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of his troubled past. This moment of crisis triggers a series of flashbacks that reveal the roots of his suffering. The story then takes us back to 2005 in Saudi Arabia, where Shayan’s father, Adeel, is depicted in a frantic attempt to gather his family and escape an imminent threat of violence. As gunshots pierce the air, Adeel’s desperation drives him to flee with his loved ones into the harsh desert, highlighting the family’s precarious situation and setting a grim tone for their future. Further flashbacks transport us to 1991 in Kerala, India, where Zoha, a young medical student, is introduced. She is arranged to meet Adeel, an aspiring actor. Despite their initial skepticism, a mutual affection grows, leading to their marriage. However, as Adeel pursues his acting dreams across Mumbai and Lahore, Zoha discovers she is pregnant. The physical and emotional distance between them strains their relationship, showcasing the tension between personal ambition and family responsibilities. As the series unfolds, we witness the complex dynamics between these characters. Shayan’s journey of self-destruction is intricately tied to his father’s pursuit of wealth and fame within Saudi Arabia’s Kafala system—a system that entraps migrant workers in cycles of debt and exploitation. Adeel’s decisions lead to dangerous consequences, ultimately causing the family’s displacement and Shayan’s ongoing struggle with mental health issues. Zoha, on the other hand, embodies the conflict between her professional aspirations and traditional cultural expectations. Her struggle to balance her career with her role as a mother amidst Adeel’s absence becomes a central theme, illustrating the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of dreams. Shiva, a Hijra/Khawaja Sira living as a man, intersects with Adeel’s story, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative. Her journey reveals long-buried secrets and difficult choices, further enriching the tapestry of the series. "God's Own Country" is a powerful exploration of culture, family, sacrifice, and survival against the backdrop of migrant laborer experiences in the Arab world. The series hopes to challenge stereotypes of South Asian identities in Western Media and sets out to foster inclusivity by depicting the harsh realities faced by its characters while highlighting their resilience and indomitable spirit. Through its dramatic and introspective storytelling, "God's Own Country" offers a profound look at the impact of the Desi cultural identity, migration, and the quest for personal and spiritual fulfillment amidst the adversity of being perceived as a "perpetual foreigner".