Moklani Places Pakistan on the Global Map of Documentary Cinema
Moklani – The Last Mohanas, directed and produced by Jawad Sharif, has made history as the first Pakistani feature film to win at the Jackson Wild Media Awards 2025. The event, often called the “Nature Oscars”, honors excellence in environmental and wildlife storytelling. The win, announced on October 2 in Jackson, Wyoming, places Pakistan on the global map of documentary cinema.
Sharif’s direction shows the beauty of Manchar Lake, revealing the fragility of both nature and culture. The film connects local realities with global environmental concerns, giving voice to marginalised communities rarely heard.
Supported by the National Geographic Society and Climate Kahani, the project blends art and advocacy to raise awareness of the cultural and ecological importance of Manchar Lake. Sharif said after the award,
“The award belongs to the Mohana people, whose stories deserve to be seen and heard beyond borders.”
The Jackson Wild Media Awards are among the highest honours in conservation film-making. Moklani competed in the Global Voices category.
This recognition places Moklani alongside leading environmental documentaries worldwide and reflects Pakistan’s growing presence in global storytelling. It also highlights how local filmmakers are contributing to vital discussions on climate and conservation.
For Pakistan, this award signifies more than a single success. It symbolises the growth of the country’s creative industries and their confidence on the international stage.
From Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Oscar-winning documentaries to Joyland’s global acclaim, Pakistani cinema continues to evolve. Moklani adds to this progress, proving that the nation’s filmmakers can stand among the best.
Sharif noted on his company’s website, “This award is for every Pakistani storyteller who believes that film can be a tool for empathy and change.”
His words echo a wider movement among filmmakers using documentaries to raise awareness and inspire action. Moklani’s success shows that documentary filmmaking in Pakistan is gaining ground after years of limited support.
The genre is now recognised as a strong medium for story-telling, advocacy and cultural preservation. Sharif’s earlier films, Indus Blues (2018) and K2 & The Invisible Footmen (2015) earned similar acclaim for spotlighting indigenous art and unsung heroes. Moklani continues that mission, exploring the link between environment and identity.
The film’s strength lies in its quiet universality.
Rooted in Pakistan but understood everywhere, it documents a community’s resilience and humanity. More than a film, Moklani preserves the story of the Mohanas and their water-bound world for future generations, capturing their culture, struggle and hope amid environmental change.
As Pakistan expands its cultural presence globally, Moklani stands as proof of what is possible when storytelling meets purpose. It marks a defining moment for Pakistani cinema and for all those who use art to represent their communities.
This is an excerpt, read the complete piece here: Instep Today
