In May this year, when Joyland Greeted with a standing ovation at the Cannes International Film Festival, it seemed as if Pakistani cinema had finally made its way onto the world stage. Writer-director Saim Sadiq’s debut, the love story of a transgender dancer and a married man, was the first Pakistani film to screen at the festival, winning the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize as well as the Queer Palm. Made with tenderness and warmth, this film was a natural choice for Pakistan’s official entry into the International Features category at the 95th Academy Awards.
From the joy of recognition to November 11 when the Pakistani government reversed its position and banned the film, JoylandHer journey’s journey has taken a bittersweet turn, which, unfortunately, is all too familiar to filmmakers across the region dealing with questions of sexuality and queer identity. The Pakistani government claims the film does not conform to “social values” and “moral norms” — words that have long been weaponized against films in the Indian subcontinent, from Deepa Mehta’s Aligarh to Hansal Mehta’s Aligarh, which fails to follow the line drawn by him. Those who turn a blind eye to the region’s long history of strangeness.
Oversight cuts are tough and take time to heal. But it’s not too late JoylandThe nominated film must be released and shown in commercial theaters in its country of origin for at least seven consecutive days prior to November 30. This leaves just over two weeks for the government to reconsider its decision and submit Joyland Chance.
“Hardcore twitter fanatic. Proud coffee fanatic. Social media aficionado. Devoted tv enthusiast. Alcohol scholar. Bacon specialist. Avid troublemaker.”
More Stories
The King has no time to see Prince Harry on a visit to the UK due to ‘full schedule’
Bob Iger says Marvel will release 3 movies and 2 shows a year
“Blue Bloods” star Tom Selleck is hoping CBS will come to its senses after canceling the show