When Joyland premiered at Cannes in May, it made history as the first official entry from Pakistan to be invited to the prestigious festival. Director Saim Sadiq’s film finds a man in an arranged marriage in a relationship with a transgender dancer. Joyland traces the case’s ripple effects on the man’s life as he lives with generations of his family in a small apartment. WATCHES | Watch the Joyland trailer: Although the film’s subject matter is considered taboo by some Pakistanis, Joyland has been a festival hit, enjoying standing ovations and rave reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and others on the circuit. All films screened in Pakistan must be cleared by regional and national censor boards. In late September, Joyland was selected as Pakistan’s official Oscar nomination and was approved by the country’s censor board to be screened in cinemas at home. Now the government has reversed that decision, effectively banning the film from theatrical release. Last week, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released a statement saying it had received complaints that the film “contains highly objectionable material that does not conform to the social values ​​and moral standards of our society”. In this scene from Joyland, a married man delivers a poster of the transsexual dancer he has started working with. Pakistani officials have banned the country’s official Oscar entry from being shown in theaters. (Khoosat Films/The Associated Press)

Director to challenge the decision

Director Saim Sadiq described the reversal as “unconstitutional and illegal” and says he plans to challenge the decision. Oscar eligibility requirements state that the film must be screened in its home country for at least one week before November 30. Although for the International Feature Film category, the Academy allows certain films to qualify while being exhibited outside of the country of origin. Sarwat Gilani, one of the actors of the film shared a tweet saying it is “shameful that a Pakistani film made by 200 Pakistanis over 6 years and received standing ovations from Toronto to Cairo to Cannes is being hampered in its own country”. It is a shame that a Pakistani film made by 200 Pakistanis over 6 years, which received standing ovations from Toronto to Cairo to Cannes, is being obstructed in its own country. Don’t take away this moment of pride and joy from our people! @GovtofPakistan — @sarwatgilani The Pakistan Film Producers Association says it is also negotiating with the censor board and hopes for a solution.
Earlier this year at TIFF, Sadiq said Pakistanis had embraced the film’s success and were encouraged to see their country in the news for positive reasons.
Joyland was originally scheduled to release in Pakistan on November 18, to coincide with Transgender Awareness Week.