Pakistan has officially selected the documentary “Hanging by a Wire,” directed by Muhammad Ali ‘Mo’ Naqvi, to represent the country in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. This marks a historic moment as it is the first time a Pakistani documentary has been chosen to compete for an Oscar.
The film, co-written and co-produced by Naqvi alongside Bilal Sami, revisits the dramatic cable car emergency that occurred in August 2023 in Battagram, northern Pakistan. It combines eyewitness footage, survivor accounts, and cinematic reenactments featuring those involved in the rescue operation, unfolding as a gripping documentary thriller.
Pakistan’s journey at the Oscars dates back to 1959 when it first submitted a film for the category. Despite submitting 13 films over the years, none has yet secured a nomination. The closest breakthrough came in 2022 when Saim Sadiq’s “Joyland” made it to the Oscars shortlist.
In a significant development, “Hanging by a Wire” centers on the harrowing incident in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Battagram district, where eight people, including six children, were trapped in a cable car suspended approximately 900 feet above the Jhangri River. The cable car was the sole means for local children to cross the river due to the absence of roads or bridges connecting the two sides.
The rescue operation began in the morning and extended late into the night. A helicopter rescue initially saved two children, followed by the gradual extraction of the remaining passengers. Ultimately, all eight individuals were brought to safety.
Naqvi has expressed that the film showcases the potential of Pakistani cinema. He emphasized that a story rooted in Pakistan’s mountainous regions, told by Pakistani filmmakers, can evolve into a compelling action thriller capable of opening major film festivals, touring internationally, and attracting support from prominent Hollywood studios.
He further noted that Pakistani narratives do not have to be limited to small or serious themes to resonate globally and hopes this film will pave the way for more Pakistani productions on the world stage.
“Hanging by a Wire” is a collaborative production involving teams from Pakistan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, with participation from Universal Pictures Content Group. The documentary has already made its mark on the international festival circuit, premiering at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and screening at festivals in Sydney, Seattle, and New York’s Tribeca.
