Pakistan’s first Burushaski-language feature film, Hun Dan, was selected as the country’s official submission for the 98th Academy Awards. However, it failed to qualify for the Oscars due to documentary and administrative lapses at the Academy.
The Pakistan Oscar Selection Committee nominated Hun Dan as the official entry. Director Karamat Ali received formal confirmation of the selection via email. The production team then uploaded all required materials via the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ official online portal within the prescribed timeline.
However, the Academy later informed the team that the submission lacked complete documentation. The filmmakers immediately re-uploaded the files. Despite the prompt response, the Academy subsequently declared the film ineligible. They cited that the missing documents were not received before the deadline.
Complicating matters, the Academy later sent another email. It incorrectly referenced missing paperwork for a different submission titled Palestine 36. It was incorrect because Pakistan’s entry was titled “Hun Dan.” Committee Chairman Mohammad Ali Naqvi clarified that Hun Dan remained Pakistan’s official submission. He maintained continuous communication with Academy officials to resolve the issue.
Although the Academy acknowledged the clerical mistake, officials said the eligibility deadline had passed. Thus, the nomination could not be reinstated. Karamat Ali publicly thanked Naqvi for his consistent support throughout the process.
Despite the setback, the director described Hun Dan’s selection as a landmark achievement for Pakistani cinema. Inspired by a folk tale from Hunza, the film explores harmony between humans and nature. It also brings the Brokski language to a global platform.
Under Academy rules, international feature film submissions must complete a minimum seven-day commercial theatrical run in the submitting country. This should occur between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. Additionally, films must feature at least 50 per cent non-English dialogue. The filmmakers confirmed that all required documents were submitted online before the October 1 deadline.
