Islamabad: Pakistan has selected Mohammed Ali “Mo” Naqvi’s Hanging by a Wire as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2027. It is the first documentary selected by Pakistan for the category.
Directed by Naqvi and written and produced by Naqvi and Bilal Sami, the film documents the August 2023 cable car incident in Battagram, where eight people, including six schoolboys, became stranded after a cable snapped during their journey.
The passengers were suspended around 900 feet above a ravine as authorities and local rescuers worked to bring them to safety. All eight passengers were eventually rescued after an operation that continued for several hours.
The documentary uses interviews, footage recorded at the scene and recreations involving people who took part in the incident. It also examines transport and infrastructure conditions in the area, where communities use cable cars to cross mountainous terrain.
Hanging by a Wire premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and has since screened at international festivals. The Pakistan US UK production involves EverWonder Studio, Universal Pictures Content Group, Mindhouse and 64th Street Media.
The film has also been included in The New York Times’ selection of films and television programmes streaming in October, adding to its international coverage ahead of the Academy Awards process.
Pakistan first submitted a film for the international feature category in 1959. No Pakistani entry has received a nomination so far, although Saim Sadiq’s Joyland reached the 15 film shortlist for the 2023 Academy Awards.
The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 14, 2027, while nominations will be announced on January 21.
