Dan Alexe's 'Howling for God' Explores Sufi Ritual and Belief

The 1998 documentary 'Howling for God' (original title 'Les amoureux de Dieu'), directed by Dan Alexe, examines a doctrinal dispute between two small Sufi Muslim cults in the Balkans. The film captures an annual ritual on the spring equinox celebrating the birth of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Nowruz, the Persian new year. During the ceremony, Sheikh Adrihusein Shehu inserts a small iron skewer called a zarf into the cheek of his 12-year-old son, Sejjid Emir, followed by several other children. The documentary is divided into two parts: the first depicts the everyday poverty and unemployment of the participants, while the second shows the piercing ritual. The leaders of the two sects claim the right to conduct the ceremony, eventually reaching an agreement. The film concludes with the ritual, where dervishes plunge spikes into their bodies, claiming to feel no pain. A bonus short film, 'Ya Zamene Ahu' (1970), about the Imam Reza holy site in Iran and its pilgrims, is also included. The review awards the film two stars, noting the compelling nature of the ritual scene.