In a searing and unflinching documentary, “Zone of Nonbeing: Guantanamo” sheds light on the harrowing human rights abuses perpetuated in the shadowy confines of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center. With a piercing examination of post-9/11 Islamophobia and the dehumanization of detainees, the filmmakers expose the dark underbelly of a facility that has become synonymous with the erosion of civil liberties and ethical boundaries.
The film wastes no time in confronting the stark realities of Guantanamo Bay, opening with a powerful voice-over questioning the presence of white people in a place reserved for Muslims. This audacious inquiry sets the tone for the searing exploration that follows, as experts and activists dissect the concept of the “zone of non-being.” This zone, as articulated by UC Berkeley ethicist Ramon Grosfoguel, is a space where those deemed beneath the threshold of humanity are subjected to violence and inhumane treatment.
Drawing on historical precedents of colonial expansion, the documentary deftly traces the roots of such zones back to 1492 with the conquest of Granada and onward through the grim chapters of US history, including the genocide of Native Americans, the Civil War, and mid-20th-century racial segregation. It becomes evident that societies have long relied on the construction of “otherness” to justify inhumane treatment, with examples ranging from African slaves to Jews during WWII and, most recently, Muslims.
The film further amplifies its impact by featuring interviews with prominent figures in the fight for human rights. Massoud Shardjareh, Chair of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, eloquently discusses the historical contexts that have paved the way for the creation of these zones of non-being. Michael Ratner, from the Centre for Constitutional Rights, condemns the denial of prisoners’ right to representation and fair trial as a grave human rights violation, propelling society backward by centuries.
Civil rights attorney Clive Stafford Smith exposes the hypocrisy of a nation claiming to champion democracy while evading human rights laws through the establishment of offshore prisons. Guantanamo, as depicted by Stafford Smith, is even more harrowing than most death rows, where inmates at least have the hope of appeal. In stark contrast, Guantanamo prisoners languish indefinitely, devoid of any semblance of a future or justice.
The documentary achieves a chilling impact by including firsthand accounts from former Guantanamo detainees. These brave individuals recount the horrors they endured, from being chained to walls to enduring violent beatings, some of which proved fatal. Their testimonies paint a haunting picture of the physical and psychological toll exacted by the inhumane conditions of the detention center.
As the film progresses, it casts an unyielding gaze on the dubious justifications for US actions in the name of anti-terrorism, peeling back the layers of secrecy surrounding torture and the use of drones. The filmmakers raise poignant questions about the legacy of these methods and how future generations will judge the dark chapters in history that have stained the pursuit of justice.
“Zone of Nonbeing: Guantanamo” stands as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to confront human rights violations and the erosion of ethical standards. Through its powerful storytelling and unwavering commitment to truth, the documentary compels its audience to grapple with uncomfortable truths, urging society to reflect on its actions and to strive for a more just and humane world. The film serves as an urgent call to action, demanding accountability for the past while inspiring a collective effort to safeguard the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their perceived “otherness.”