The team takes handstands in a scene from The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony. Photo courtesy of Akelo Media.
Three teenage girls in Pakistan are taking their ambitions from the gym to the big screen. The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony, directed by Habiba Nosheen, will begin its U.S. theatrical run on October 23, 2026, at DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema in New York City, before expanding across North America.
Cargo Film & Releasing’s announcement sets out a rollout in more than 20 cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Houston and Toronto. Blue Ice Docs is handling Canadian distribution. Toronto and Windsor are on the announced city list, but Canadian screening dates were not specified in the release.
A coming-of-age story built around the freedom to play
The documentary follows Kiran, Anwara and Sonia as they train toward Pakistan’s national gymnastics championships. Their growing commitment to the sport brings friendship and competition, while also putting them up against expectations about what girls should be allowed to do.
Rather than treating the athletes only as symbols of a bigger struggle, Nosheen describes a film shaped by their own point of view. In the release announcement, she says: “This film has always been about allowing audiences to experience the world through the girls’ eyes.”
That focus makes the film’s premise as much about adolescence as it is about sport: finding something you love, making friends through it and beginning to picture a future of your own.
Malala Yousafzai and Mariska Hargitay support the film
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, Mariska Hargitay and documentary filmmaker Trish Adlesic are among the executive producers. Nosheen and Amar Lohana produced the film through Akelo Media.
The 93-minute documentary had its world premiere in the Documentary Competition at the 2026 Tribeca Festival. Its festival journey has also included Calgary, Chicago South Asian Film Festival and Zurich, ahead of the theatrical release.
Watch the trailer
The new trailer offers a first look at the girls, their training and the world around them. Watch the official trailer on YouTube.
For screenings and updates, visit the official film website. The October 23 opening and wider rollout are also covered by Deadline.
Featured image: The team takes handstands in a scene from The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony. Photo courtesy of Akelo Media.
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