In a groundbreaking moment for Pakistan’s entertainment industry, the film Moklani: The Last Mohanas has made history by winning an award at the Jackson Wild Media Awards 2025, often hailed as the “Oscars of environmental filmmaking.” This achievement marks the first time a Pakistani production has triumphed at the prestigious global event.
Key Highlights:
- Award Category: Global Voices
- Entries Reviewed: Over 500 international films
- Judging Panel: 200+ global environmental experts
- Director: Jawad Sharif
- Production House: Jawad Sharif Films
- Theme: The fading heritage of the Mohana community in Sindh
Moklani: The Last Mohanas offers a deeply human look into the Mohana community living around Manchar Lake, Sindh. Known as the “boat people” of Pakistan, this community has thrived for centuries but now faces extinction due to environmental degradation and modernization. The film captures their struggle, resilience, and emotional bond with nature, blending art, activism, and authenticity.
Director Jawad Sharif, celebrated for his ability to highlight social and cultural issues through cinema, received global praise for his compelling visual storytelling and narrative sensitivity. His earlier works already hinted at this milestone, but Moklani has taken Pakistan’s documentary filmmaking to a new height.
The Jackson Wild Media Awards, founded in 1991, are dedicated to honoring excellence in wildlife and environmental filmmaking. In 2025, more than 1,000 hours of media were evaluated by a diverse panel, yet Moklani stood out for its emotional depth and visual strength, showcasing Pakistan’s rising influence in global storytelling.
Interestingly, this historic win adds to a growing wave of international recognition for Pakistani filmmakers. Earlier this year, another short film, The Clown, earned the Satyajit Ray Award for Best Short Film at the London Indian Film Festival, a proud moment celebrated across creative circles.
These back-to-back global honors signal a new era for Pakistani cinema, one that merges local voices with universal impact, giving the world a glimpse of the country’s artistic and cultural brilliance.
