- Haya Fatima Iqbal’s documentary earns a nomination in the Outstanding Short Documentary category.
- The film follows the inspiring journey of three young adults with intellectual disabilities from rural Pakistan.
- Haya Fatima Iqbal’s work focuses on shedding light on important social issues and human stories.
Acclaimed filmmaker Haya Fatima Iqbal is once again making waves in the world of cinema with her latest documentary, “As Far They Can Run.” The film has recently earned a prestigious nomination in the Outstanding Short Documentary category at the 44th Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards, further solidifying Iqbal’s position as an exceptional storyteller and documentary filmmaker.
“As Far They Can Run” follows the inspiring journey of three young adults with intellectual disabilities from rural Pakistan as they are recruited into Pakistan’s Special Olympics Program. The documentary beautifully captures the challenges and triumphs of these remarkable athletes, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into their lives and experiences. With an eye for detail and a deep understanding of her subjects, Haya Fatima Iqbal delivers a poignant narrative that leaves a lasting impact on audiences.
Taking to her Instagram, Iqbal shared the exhilarating news of the Emmy nomination, expressing her joy and gratitude. She wrote, “Our film got nominated for an Emmy!” For Haya, this recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work put into bringing this important story to the world. The filmmaker also reflected on her experiences while capturing the lives of children in and around Mirpurkhas, a city in the Sindh province of Pakistan. She was deeply moved by the determination and spirit of these children, who defied all odds to pursue their dreams in sports.
The heartwarming documentary shines a light on the Special Olympics Program in Pakistan, where dedicated coaches play a vital role in nurturing the talents of these young athletes. Through the lens of the camera, Haya Fatima Iqbal captured the care and commitment of the coaches, who not only train these athletes physically but also provide the emotional support needed to help them thrive.
Among the featured individuals in the film, Sana Kapri holds a special place. Sana had the incredible honor of lighting the torch at the Special Olympics in Berlin last month, a powerful moment that symbolized the strength and resilience of the human spirit. “As Far As They Can Run” also tells the compelling stories of Ghulam and Sajawal, two young individuals who faced rejection from their families due to their disabilities. The film explores how they found solace and purpose through their involvement in the Special Olympics Program, transforming their lives in the process.
Haya Fatima Iqbal’s documentary stands alongside other remarkable works in the same category, including “The Flagmakers” by Sharon Liese and Cynthia Wade, “Beirut Dreams in Color” by Michael Collins, “The Sentence of Michael Thompson” by Kyle Thrash and Haley Elizabeth Anderson, and “MINK!” from The New York Times’ Op-Docs, directed by Ben Proudfoot. This recognition highlights the excellence and diversity present in the world of documentary filmmaking.
Previously, “As Far As They Can,” directed by Tanaz Eshaghian and produced by Christoph Jörg, was shortlisted for the Oscars 2022 in the Documentary Short Film category. Iqbal also co-produced “A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness,” which brought Pakistan an Oscar for Best Documentary Short at the 88th Academy Awards in 2018.