Pakistan’s cable car rescue story heads to cinemas in ‘Hanging by a Wire’

Documentary distributor Dogwoof has announced the UK cinema release of ‘Hanging by a Wire’, a film that recounts the 2023 cable car rescue in Pakistan’s Himalayan foothills.

Directed by Pakistani filmmaker Mohammed Ali Naqvi, the film follows the events that unfolded when a cable car carrying eight passengers, including six schoolboys, became stranded above a ravine after a cable snapped during a school journey. Local rescuers worked to bring the passengers to safety.

‘Hanging by a Wire’ premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it was screened in competition for the Grand Jury Prize. The film is produced by Mindhouse, EverWonder Studio, Universal Pictures Content Group and 64th Street Media.

According to Dogwoof, the documentary focuses not only on the rescue itself but also on the efforts of the local community during the incident. The film will be released in UK cinemas before expanding to North American theatres later in the year.

‘Hanging by a Wire’ will be released in UK cinemas on Friday 28th August 2026.