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Hanging by a Wire film image; men hanging in exposed container in the air

Hanging by a Wire

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The cable car runs a mile across, and 900 foot above, Battagram, Pakistan, in the high Himalayas. This is the daily “school bus” for several kids. On the morning of August 22, 2023, the unthinkable happens: two of the three cables snap, leaving the gondola stuck with 8 passengers, 6 of them schoolkids, hanging precariously midway across the ravine. It will be hours before the authorities can even reach this remote region, let alone formulate a rescue plan…

Mohammed Ali Naqvi’s nailbiting documentary juxtaposes eye-witness accounts with cell phone, drone and TV news footage captured live as this drama played out through a traumatic 24 hours.

Enthralling.

Jason Gorber, POV magazine

Gripping.

Allan Hunter, Screen International

Undeniably moving.

Brian Tallerico, rogerebert.com

Director

Mohammed Ali Naqvi

Credits
Country of Origin

Pakistan/USA/UK

Year

2026

Language

In English, Urdu, and Pashto with English subtitles

19+
78 min

Book Tickets

Friday September 18

4:20 pm
Hearing Assistance Subtitles
VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema
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Saturday September 19

6:30 pm
Hearing Assistance Subtitles
VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema
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Sunday September 20

12:00 pm
Hearing Assistance Subtitles
VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre
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4:15 pm
Hearing Assistance Subtitles
VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre
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Tuesday September 22

5:00 pm
Hearing Assistance Subtitles
VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema
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Credits

Executive Producer

Ian Orefice, Amanda Spain, Jon Adler, Bonnie McGrath, Aloke Devichand, Arron Fellows, Helen Parker, Davis Guggenheim, Radhi Taylor

Producer

Mohammed Ali Naqvi, Bilal Sami

Screenwriter

Mohammed Ali Naqvi, Bilal Sami

Cinematography

Brendan McGinty

Editor

Will Grayburn

Original Music

Sven Faulcone

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