The documentary thriller Hanging by a Wire has achieved a significant milestone, topping the Paramount+ charts in North America. Directed by Mohammed Ali Naqvi, the film has also been officially selected as Pakistan’s entry for the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
A Historic Cinematic Achievement
This selection marks the first time a documentary has represented Pakistan in the international feature category. The Pakistan Academy Selection Committee, led by deputy chair Sana Zahra Jafri, announced the decision, highlighting the film's importance to the nation's cinematic history. Since 1959, Pakistan has submitted 13 films for the award, with Saim Sadiq’s Joyland serving as the country's only previous shortlist appearance in 2022.
The film chronicles the harrowing August 2023 cable car emergency in Battagram, Pakistan. The incident saw eight individuals, including six schoolboys, stranded 900 feet above a ravine after a cable snapped. The documentary utilizes witness footage, survivor testimonies, and reenactments to reconstruct the high-stakes rescue operation that captivated global audiences.
Following its debut at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and a subsequent run at the Tribeca Festival, the film has garnered significant attention. Produced by a collaborative team including EverWonder Studio and Universal Pictures Content Group, Hanging by a Wire continues to build momentum as it enters the Oscar race.
