Ghosts of Sugar Land

About Ghosts of Sugar Land

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Ghosts of Sugar Land is a biographical documentary film directed by Bassam Tariq, released in 2019. The film tells the story of a group of friends who were together as young Muslim men in the suburbs of Sugar Land, Texas. One of their friends, Mark, becomes radicalized and leaves to join ISIS. The film explores their personal struggles and the impact Mark's departure has on their lives. The documentary delves into the complexities of identity, religion, and friendship, giving a glimpse into the lives of a community grappling with the radicalization of one of their own. Through interviews with the friends, family, and acquaintances of Mark, the film paints a vivid picture of the emotional journey they go through as they try to understand what happened and question their own beliefs.

Making / Production

Ghosts of Sugar Land was produced by the streaming platform Netflix. The director, Bassam Tariq, known for his work on "These Birds Walk" (2013), approached the subject matter with sensitivity and a desire to humanize the individuals involved. The film combines personal interviews, archival footage, and reenactments to tell the story.

Actors

• Blanka Hegyan as Patricia (friend of Mark)
• Shahin Bazgasht as Suleiman (friend of Mark)
• Menhaj Huda as Himself (interviewee)
• William Kassen as Himself (interviewee)

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Ghosts of Sugar Land was inspired by a true story. The director, Bassam Tariq, knew the friends involved in the real-life events and decided to capture their experiences on film.
• The film premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.
• Ghosts of Sugar Land was nominated for Best Documentary - Short Subject at the 92nd Academy Awards.

Awards

No awards have been won by Ghosts of Sugar Land.

Quotes

• "We want to be able to understand why he felt a need to join a group that would want to kill him." - Friend of Mark
• "It feels like they don't see me as a human being." - Interviewee

Music

There is no original music composed for Ghosts of Sugar Land.

Soundtrack

Ghosts of Sugar Land does not have an official soundtrack.