In Macedonia, ex-Yugoslavia, two sheiks are engaged in a dispute for power in a Dervish community. Within this fragile, unstable society, far from God and traditional Sufism, the dispute revolves around one simple issue: which of the two is to stab his own body in the Nevruz ceremony. As from the rivalry between the two, corresponding to different archetypes of religious leaders, the documentary presents an impartial view of spiritual life on a popular scale.

The Dervishes practice a form of Islamic yoga that consists in rhythmic movements, repetitive chanting, and slow breathing. During the ceremony, they stab face, neck, or limbs with nails and tenterhooks. A state of trance induced by dance and rhythmic chanting allows no blood to issue from their bodies, apparently, also, with no pain or physical discomfort. The sites for these rituals are crowded, with each sheik trying his utmost to draw the greater number of faithful, to thus diminish the importance of a rival.

The documentary sets forth the political and human dimension of these religious disputes broaching the issue free of judgement or disrespect. In spite of a controversial theme, there are moments of happiness and extraordinary images.