Beyond Belief

Beyond Belief is a moving, thought-provoking documentary film directed by accomplished filmmaker Beth Murphy. Produced in 2007, it spotlights the extraordinary lives of Susan Retik and Patti Quigley, two brave American women from the Boston area who turned a devastating tragedy into a powerful force for change. The film is about their incredible journey of healing, personal transformation, and international philanthropy that followed the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

The film begins by introducing Susan Retik and Patti Quigley, both of whom lost their husbands in the devastating terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Retik and Quigley were both pregnant at the time, and their unbearable loss bonded them in grief. However, their stories soon expand beyond the personal, providing a profound and inspiring look at how their tragedy became a catalyst for extraordinary acts of humanity and global activism.

The critically acclaimed documentary reveals how these two extraordinary women dealt with their devastating personal loss. They turned their grief into an opportunity to establish a transformative charitable foundation with a global impact - Beyond the 11th. This foundation focuses on supporting widowed Afghan women who were left helpless and destitute by the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. The film masterfully documents their efforts to cross cultural and religious divides, demonstrating the power of empathy and shared experiences of loss and resilience.

What makes Beyond Belief so impactful is that it doesn't just tell Retik and Quigley's incredible story; it also delves deep into the harsh realities of life for widows in Afghanistan. The film features compelling interviews with Afghan women, revealing their struggles and determination in the face of adversity, war, and cultural oppression. In doing so, it humanizes the otherwise faceless victims of global politics and war, fostering a narrative of unity and shared experiences across cultural, religious, and geographic divides.

Beyond their ventures as the founders of the non-profit, Beyond the 11th, Susan Retik and Patti Quigley decide to take on yet another remarkable journey. This journey takes them to Afghanistan, where they personally meet the women they have been helping from afar. Their extraordinary journey is not just a philanthropic mission but also aids their personal healing process. They see that hope, resilience, and love can be borne out of the ashes of profound pain and adversity.

Tom Fleming, an Emmy-winning editor, is laudable in his work in this poignant film. His careful and sensitive editing work adds depth to the narrative, making every story feel personal and relatable. The seamless interconnection between the American and Afghan narratives allows for raw truths to unfold authentically, adding a layer of cultural education and awareness rarely seen in conventional documentaries.

Together, Susan Retik, Patti Quigley, and the entire production team have created a powerful artistic testament to the understanding, compassion, and action that emerged from their profound loss. Their story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is the possibility of hope, and that shared empathy can bring about powerful change.

In Beyond Belief, audiences are invited on a journey of healing, peace, and resilience. It's more than just a film; it's a call to action – to look beyond our differences, to reach out in empathy and solidarity, and to make a positive impact on the world, even in the face of adversity. This inspiring documentary reframes the narrative of grief, providing an inspiring model of how shared pain can help form international bridges and powerfully bring about a positive change.

Beyond Belief teaches an important lesson about the universal human experience of loss and the strength and resilience that can spring from it. It is a brilliant, bright spot on the landscape of contemporary documentaries that dare to look beyond borders and cultures, exhibiting the transformative power of empathy and compassion in the face of adversity and loss.

Without giving away any spoilers, this critically-acclaimed documentary will leave viewers with an expanded perspective on global citizenship, a deep appreciation of the strength of the human spirit, and the inspiration to rise above their circumstances to reach out, make a difference, and create positive change in the world. It's a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the intimate human realities behind global conflicts, the strength of women's resilience, and the potential of empathy and compassion to transform personal loss into a driving force for positive change.