In a new interview with SheDoesTheCity, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Habiba Nosheen discusses her documentary The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony, which follows young girls training in Pakistan’s Machar Colony.
Inside Machar Colony and the Making of the Documentary
Nosheen discovered the gymnastics team through Tahera, a lawyer who handled her daughter’s adoption in Pakistan 10 years ago. After noticing photographs of the girls in yellow uniforms posted online, Nosheen reached out to learn more about the program. Tahera has worked with the stateless community in Machar Colony for over a decade, providing access to education and sport. The documentary highlights three girls—Sonia, Kiran, and Anwara—who continue to train despite community and family criticism. Nosheen selected them because two are sisters with a competitive dynamic, and all three possess a feisty, vocal spirit.
Challenging Societal Expectations Around Girls in Sports
The film addresses the widespread belief in Pakistan that girls should not participate in gymnastics or athletics. Nosheen notes that this restriction extends beyond Pakistan, recalling an unwritten rule in her own upbringing in Toronto where sports were seen as unsuitable for girls. She wanted to document the girls’ perseverance because they carved out space that was not initially meant for them. The project also challenged Nosheen to examine her own body of work, realizing she had not previously captured the joy and fun in the lives of brown women and girls.
Executive Producers Lend Support
Malala Yousafzai and Mariska Hargitay serve as executive producers on the project, bringing support to the film. Nosheen calls their involvement a magical dream, noting that the women were moved by the universality of the story and the girls’ conviction in demanding space. The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony is currently available to stream on CBC Gem.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony
Where was the documentary filmed?
The documentary was filmed in Machar Colony, a neighborhood in Pakistan, following a local gymnastics team.
Who directed the film?
The film was directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker and investigative journalist Habiba Nosheen.
Where can viewers watch the documentary?
The documentary is available to stream on CBC Gem.
Who are the executive producers of the film?
Malala Yousafzai and Mariska Hargitay serve as executive producers on the project.
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