NYWIFT Blog

By Tammy Reese

At the 2026 Tribeca Festival, audiences were introduced to an inspiring story of resilience, determination, and hope through The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony, a powerful documentary that follows a group of young girls in Pakistan who dare to dream beyond the limitations placed upon them.

Directed and written by Habiba Nosheen with past NYWIFT Muse Honoree Mariska Hargitay as an executive producer, the film takes viewers into Machar Colony, a marginalized fishing community in Karachi where many residents live without official documentation, limiting access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Against these challenges, a gymnastics team emerges as a beacon of possibility for a group of girls determined to create a different future for themselves.

Still from The Gymnasts Of Fisherman Colony (courtesy of Tribeca Festival)

The documentary beautifully captures the girls’ journey as they train under the guidance of coach Furqan Raja while receiving support from renowned human rights lawyer Tahera Hasan. As they prepare to compete in Pakistan’s National Women’s Gymnastics Competition, viewers witness more than athletic training — they witness growing confidence, friendship, self-discovery, and the courage to challenge societal expectations.

What makes The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony particularly compelling is its balance of joy and reality. The girls’ playful personalities, humor, and unwavering determination shine throughout the film, creating a deeply moving coming-of-age story. Their pursuit of gymnastics becomes more than a sport; it becomes an act of empowerment and a pathway toward visibility in a community often overlooked.

NYWIFT Members Lakisa Renee (left) and Tammy Reese (right) with Mariska Hargitay

The documentary serves as a powerful reminder of how access and opportunity can transform lives. Through intimate storytelling and stunning cinematography, Nosheen invites audiences to witness the strength of young women who refuse to let circumstances define their futures.

NYWIFT’s Tammy Reese and LaKisa Renee had the opportunity to attend the film’s world premiere during the Tribeca Festival and speak with director Habiba Nosheen and executive producer Mariska Hargitay on the red carpet. During the conversations, both women shared insights into the importance of amplifying stories that center resilience, equity, and the transformative power of community support.

Mariska Hargitay on the red carpet

As The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony demonstrates, meaningful change often begins with a single opportunity. For these young athletes, gymnastics became much more than a competition — it became a platform for self-expression, confidence, and hope.

Watch NYWIFT’s exclusive red carpet coverage and interviews with Habiba Nosheen and Mariska Hargitay below.

Mariska Hargitay Interview — The Gymnasts Of Fisherman Colony Tribeca Festival 2026 Red Carpet

Habiba Nosheen Interview — The Gymnasts Of Fisherman Colony Tribeca Festival 2026 Red Carpet

On The Carpet

(All images courtesy of Tammy Reese except where otherwise noted)