Pakistani filmmaker Muhammad Ali Naqvi has achieved a major international milestone as his latest documentary, Hanging by a Wire, is set to be presented at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Naqvi announced the news through his official Instagram account, expressing his joy and describing the selection as a defining moment in his career. He also extended heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the making of the film.
Hanging by a Wire captures the dramatic and heroic rescue operation that took place in August 2023 in the mountainous region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The documentary centers around a high-risk emergency when a cable car carrying eight passengers — including six schoolchildren — became stranded approximately 900 feet above the ground after a cable snapped.
The rescue operation, conducted by the Pakistan Army in collaboration with other national institutions, successfully brought all individuals to safety after several tense hours. The film highlights the bravery, coordination, and human spirit that defined the operation.
Naqvi emphasized that the documentary’s success is a collective achievement, thanking all the individuals and organizations involved in its production.
The selection of Hanging by a Wire at Cannes is being hailed as a breakthrough moment for Pakistani documentary filmmaking, marking a step forward in gaining global recognition for the country’s cinematic storytelling. Industry observers consider the honor a milestone in Pakistan’s growing cultural presence on the international stage.
