THE GYMNASTS OF FISHERMAN COLONY

Canada, Pakistan202692 minUrdu, English, Bengali with English Subtitles

Nestled in the lively, bustling neighbourhood of Karachi’s Machar Colony (also known as Fisherman Colony) is a school for girls, where they learn to read, write, and — on their own insistence — learn gymnastics. Born into an undocumented community and systemically barred from formal work and basic human rights, these spirited young athletes carve out their own spaces for joy and freedom in every awe-inspiring flip, twist, and tumble.

Embedding herself in their world, three-time Emmy Award-winning director Habiba Nosheen’s empathetic lens captures the triumphs, setbacks, and heartwarming sisterhood of these athletes as they train for the National Women’s Gymnastics Championship. Given the rare agency to articulate their lives, the girls share dreams and aspirations that often clash with their seemingly predestined realities. An emotionally captivating portrait of coming of age, friendship, and the power of letting young girls dream, The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony will have you cheering for every poised handstand and thrilling leap these girls accomplish.

– Mariam Zaidi