Pakistan selected Mo Naqvi’s documentary thriller, Hanging By a Wire, for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. This selection represents the first occasion Pakistan has nominated a documentary for this specific category.
The film recounts the cable car emergency that occurred in Battagram, a location in northern Pakistan, during August 2023. During the incident, six schoolchildren and two adults became stranded at an altitude of approximately 900 feet after a cable snapped.
Naqvi directed the film, while he, alongside Bilal Sami, handled the writing and production duties. Naqvi stated, “I’m honored that Hanging by a Wire has been selected to represent Pakistan in the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, and grateful to the Pakistan Academy Selection Committee.”
Furthermore, Naqvi claimed the documentary explores themes of resilience and resourcefulness throughout the rescue operation. The documentary previously premiered at the World Cinema Documentary competition held at the Sundance Film Festival.
Following its Sundance debut, the film screened at other notable venues, including Tribeca, Seattle, and Sydney film festivals. EverWonder Studio, Universal Pictures Content Group, Mindhouse Productions, and 64th Street Media are listed as producers for Hanging By a Wire.
