Moklani becomes first Pakistani film to win Jackson Wild Award

ISLAMABAD: “Moklani – The Last Mohanas” has made history as the first-ever Pakistani film to win an award at the Jackson Wild Media Awards, widely regarded as the nature equivalent of the Oscars.

Directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Jawad Sharif, Moklani was selected from a record-breaking pool of more than 500 entries. Over 200 international judges reviewed more than 1,000 hours of media before choosing the film as the winner in the Global Voices category.

The film tells the story of the Mohana of Manchar Lake, an indigenous fisherfolk community whose centuries-old way of life is vanishing. The Mohanas face shrinking waters, toxic pollution, and the erosion of their unique cultural heritage.

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Produced by Jawad Sharif Films with support from the National Geographic Society and Climate Kahani, Moklani offers a visually striking and deeply human portrait of a community on the brink of cultural extinction.

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“Their struggle reflects the larger climate crisis Pakistan is experiencing,” Sharif said. “Moklani gives voice to a community the world is in danger of forgetting. Their story reflects the urgent realities of climate change, cultural loss, and the need to preserve both humanity and nature. To see their story recognized on a global stage is deeply humbling. This recognition, above all, belongs to the Mohana community.”

Winners were announced at the Awards Gala on October 2, 2025, at the Center for the Arts in Jackson, Wyoming.

About Jackson Wild Media Awards

The Jackson Wild Media Awards are considered the highest standard of achievement in natural history filmmaking. They honor excellence and innovation in nature, science, and conservation storytelling.

About Jawad Sharif Films

Based in Islamabad, Jawad Sharif Films is an award-winning production house known for documentaries exploring culture, social justice, and climate change. Over the past 15 years, films such as Indus Blues, Natari, and K2 and the Invisible Footmen have screened at leading international festivals, celebrated for their artistic vision and social impact.