Behind The Scenes of the Film Moklani - The Last Mohanas

The making of Moklani: The Last Mohanas was a journey unlike any other—one that took us deep into the heart of Pakistan, where the vast expanse of Manchar Lake holds stories of survival, heritage, and an uncertain future.

Our journey began in Islamabad, a 16-hour road trip leading to the edges of Manchar Lake, followed by boat rides to meet the Mohana community. Life on the lake is stark; clean water is scarce, healthcare and schools are nonexistent, and means of livelihood are far and few. Mohana are a closed community and share deep connection with their home. Despite these challenges, the community extended their trust, allowing us an intimate glimpse into their lives, a privilege that carried both joy and responsibility.

The first spell of filming in July 2023 was grueling. Temperatures soared to 43°C, testing our endurance as we navigated the logistical hurdles of language barriers and cultural sensitivities. Interpreters became vital bridges, while our female producer broke barriers to gain access to Mohana women—a rare achievement in this conservative community.

Filming wasn’t confined to the lake alone. We traveled to Taunsa Barrage, Sehwan, Sheikh Daman, and Bubbak to trace the scattered Mohana tribe. The destruction wrought by the 2022 floods had forced many to migrate, settling in precarious shelters along the Indus River. Their stories unfolded against the backdrop of poverty, environmental degradation, and cultural displacement, painting a vivid yet heartbreaking portrait of resilience.

One of the film’s most challenging and poignant sequences involved documenting the lake’s fragile biodiversity.

Once a sanctuary for thousands of migratory birds, Manchar’s declining ecosystem mirrored the struggles of its human inhabitants. In December 2023, our crew braved nights in deserted landscapes to capture fleeting glimpses of these birds. The price of one perfect shot? A drone camera lost to the lake.’

The film also ventured beyond Manchar. We filmed Mohenjo-Daro to draw connections between the Mohanas and their Indus Valley ancestors, threading the historical into the contemporary. Folk songs and poetry recorded along the way added layers of emotion and depth to the narrative, preserving an artistic heritage under threat.

From cultural festivals like Shaikh Daman’s Mela to the intimate rituals of daily life, every frame of Moklani became a reflection of the enduring spirit of the Mohana people. The making of this documentary was a test of endurance, creativity, and heart. But above all, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience—a journey that deepened our understanding of resilience and the human spirit.

As the lake’s waters ripple with stories of a fading heritage, Moklani captures the essence of a community fighting to hold on to its roots in an ever-changing world.