Hanging by a Wire’ Selected as Pakistan’s Oscar Entry
- October 6, 2026
- 0
The Pakistan Oscars 2026 entry, Hanging by a Wire, has brought attention to Pakistani cinema after its selection for the Academy Awards. The documentary was chosen by the
The Pakistan Oscars 2026 entry, Hanging by a Wire, has brought attention to Pakistani
cinema after its selection for the Academy Awards. The documentary was chosen by the
Pakistan Academy Selection Committee for the International Feature Film category at the 99th
Academy Awards. Director Mohammed Ali Naqvi welcomed the decision with pride during an
interview with The News International. The announcement was made at the Mosaic
International South Asian Film Festival in Mississauga, Canada, where filmmaker Deepa Mehta
moderated the discussion.
Naqvi said the recognition gives Pakistani cinema a chance to show audiences a different side
of the country. He believes Pakistani people should be seen through their courage, creativity
and ability to overcome difficult situations. The film focuses on the 2023 Battagram cable car
emergency in northern Pakistan. Eight passengers, including six schoolchildren, were left
suspended above a ravine after a cable snapped.
The filmmaker visited Allai Valley, where the incident happened, and praised the local
community for supporting the production team. He also appreciated citizen journalists who
recorded footage during the rescue operation. Their videos helped preserve the emotions
surrounding the incident.
Hanging by a Wire combines witness footage, survivor experiences and recreated scenes to tell
the story. The film first premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival before screening at the
Tribeca Festival. Naqvi hopes the documentary will draw attention to difficulties faced by remote
communities that need roads, schools and basic services.
The selection is historic because Hanging by a Wire is the first documentary chosen to
represent Pakistan in the International Feature Film category. Pakistan has submitted 13 films
since 1959 without receiving an Oscar nomination. Joyland became the country’s first film to
reach the shortlist in 2022. Naqvi hopes his documentary can continue this journey and
introduce Pakistani stories to audiences around the world.
Source: The News International
