Shaheer Ahmed
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday unveiled its shortlists for the 95th Oscars in 10 categories. As Far As They Can Run, a Pakistani short documentary film, has also been nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film, joining the Saim Sadiq-directed Joyland.
Directed by Iranian-American filmmaker, Tanaz Eshaghian, As Far As They Can Run, tells the story of three children with intellectual disabilities in rural Pakistan who, despite often inhumane treatment and exclusion by their communities, manage to find some acceptance and a place in society through sports.
Three young adults enroll in a jogging programme for youth with disabilities in an effort to change attitudes in their rural neighbourhood.
Sharing the news on his Twitter handle, the producer of the short film wrote, “Thrilled to make the #Oscars2023 non-fiction shortlist.”
Thrilled to make the #Oscars2023 non-fiction shortlist. Our film #AsFarAsTheyCanRun dir by @tanaze is about teenagers with intellectual disabilities who train to represent Pakistan 🇵🇰 at the @SpecialOlympics. Now on @paramountplus – wish us luck! @nadirsid https://t.co/duVx13tfmz pic.twitter.com/R9hkCIFG8m
— Ziad Zafar (@ziadzafar) December 23, 2022
At the 23rd annual Woodstock Film Festival, As Far as They Can Run also won top nonfiction prizes.
The American’s Largest Documentary Festival, DOC NYC, presented the renowned Short List: Shorts Directing Award to the documentary short film.
The screenwriter of the upcoming movie What’s Love Got To Do With also posted a tweet, showing support for the team of the short film.
This is so exciting ! As Far as They Can Run has been shortlisted for the Oscars. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 https://t.co/n3L5CRvWo4
— Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) December 21, 2022
She wrote, “This is so exciting ! As Far As They Can Run has been shortlisted for the Oscars.”
With the most recent achievement at the biggest entertainment awards, there are now two Pakistani films that have received critical recognition abroad. Joyland had already been considered for Oscars and now there has been another addition. This is definitely a proud moment for film makers of Pakistan as they are getting international recognition now.
