“Joyland” star Sarwat Gilani headlines “Farar,” the first project under the Applause Entertainment-Zindagi South Asian content partnership unveiled by Variety recently.
The six-part series will premiere at the 14th annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival on Sept. 23. Directed by New York-based Mehreen Jabbar (“Jurm”) and written by Rida Bilal (“Zakham”), the series follows three women, bound by friendship and driven by secrets and dreams, who yearn for an escape that could alter the course of their lives. Sabrina, a widowed hairdresser in a complex relationship; Tanya, an aspiring actor battling body image issues; and Huma, a resolute track and field runner facing marriage pressures hustle, thrive and survive as they navigate the frenzied, bustling city of Karachi, Pakistan.
The partnership between prolific Indian studio Applause Entertainment and Zindagi, the Indian subcontinent-focused programming block on streamer ZEE5 Global, is set up to create South Asian-themed content from across the subcontinent.
The six-part series will premiere at the 14th annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival on Sept. 23. Directed by New York-based Mehreen Jabbar (“Jurm”) and written by Rida Bilal (“Zakham”), the series follows three women, bound by friendship and driven by secrets and dreams, who yearn for an escape that could alter the course of their lives. Sabrina, a widowed hairdresser in a complex relationship; Tanya, an aspiring actor battling body image issues; and Huma, a resolute track and field runner facing marriage pressures hustle, thrive and survive as they navigate the frenzied, bustling city of Karachi, Pakistan.
The partnership between prolific Indian studio Applause Entertainment and Zindagi, the Indian subcontinent-focused programming block on streamer ZEE5 Global, is set up to create South Asian-themed content from across the subcontinent.
- 9/11/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Editors note: This review was originally published May 23 after its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The film opens in New York on Friday and in Los Angeles on April 21.
A married man falls for a trans woman in Joyland, the first Pakistani feature to play in Cannes. Saim Sadiq’s atmospheric Un Certain Regard drama also explores a whole family, presenting a picture of a clan torn between modernity and tradition in contemporary Lahore.
Haider (Ali Junejo) has a seemingly happy arranged marriage with Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq). But when he gains work as a backing dancer for the glamorous trans performer Biba (Alina Khan), his eyes are opened to another way of life — and potentially another way of loving. Meanwhile, his wife is frustrated with the expectations of the patriarchal society she lives in, and much less enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing another boy into the family.
The Joyland of the title is an amusement park which provides an escape for many of the group, whether dancing with a troupe or screaming out their pain on a fairground ride.
Haider makes for a quietly compelling lead: a man oppressed by his father’s conventional expectations, and more sensitive than he dare admit. His wife is a tragic figure: a smart woman who deserves more than her lot. But the most distinctive character is Biba, the pre-op trans woman who makes a living with exotic dancing — sometimes in front of a large, relatively mainstream audience, other times for a small crew of lewd, sexually aggressive men.
The relationship between Haider and Biba is riveting — we’re never quite sure how far it will go, or what drives Haider. There’s a suggestion that he may be attracted to men, which infuriates Biba, who identifies as female. And yet there is a tangible tenderness between these two lost souls, both living lives they haven’t signed up for. That Biba has made the brave move to change her gender implicitly emboldens Haider to live more honestly according to his own sexuality. But this may come at a cost.
Joyland has a vivid sense of place, created not so much by its geographical backdrop as its characters. There’s an attention to detail in the rituals of daily life, whether it’s family celebrations or the rehearsals of the dance group. Mostly restrained emotionally, this packs an unexpected gut punch towards the end of the film, where it shifts focus to a deserving subject and drops another key character.
Presumably that’s meant to reflect the perspective of the protagonist, though it does leave some stories up in the air. But Joyland remains a thoughtful, well performed and engrossing drama set in a culture that’s shifting, and not always with ease.
Title: Joyland
Studio: Oscilloscope Laboratories
Release date: April 7, 2023 (NY)/April 21 (L.A.)
Director-screenwriter: Saim Sadiq
Cast: Ali Junejo Rasti Farooq, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gilani, Sohail Sameer, Salmaan Peerzada, Sania Saeed
Running time: 2 hr 7 mins...
A married man falls for a trans woman in Joyland, the first Pakistani feature to play in Cannes. Saim Sadiq’s atmospheric Un Certain Regard drama also explores a whole family, presenting a picture of a clan torn between modernity and tradition in contemporary Lahore.
Haider (Ali Junejo) has a seemingly happy arranged marriage with Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq). But when he gains work as a backing dancer for the glamorous trans performer Biba (Alina Khan), his eyes are opened to another way of life — and potentially another way of loving. Meanwhile, his wife is frustrated with the expectations of the patriarchal society she lives in, and much less enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing another boy into the family.
The Joyland of the title is an amusement park which provides an escape for many of the group, whether dancing with a troupe or screaming out their pain on a fairground ride.
Haider makes for a quietly compelling lead: a man oppressed by his father’s conventional expectations, and more sensitive than he dare admit. His wife is a tragic figure: a smart woman who deserves more than her lot. But the most distinctive character is Biba, the pre-op trans woman who makes a living with exotic dancing — sometimes in front of a large, relatively mainstream audience, other times for a small crew of lewd, sexually aggressive men.
The relationship between Haider and Biba is riveting — we’re never quite sure how far it will go, or what drives Haider. There’s a suggestion that he may be attracted to men, which infuriates Biba, who identifies as female. And yet there is a tangible tenderness between these two lost souls, both living lives they haven’t signed up for. That Biba has made the brave move to change her gender implicitly emboldens Haider to live more honestly according to his own sexuality. But this may come at a cost.
Joyland has a vivid sense of place, created not so much by its geographical backdrop as its characters. There’s an attention to detail in the rituals of daily life, whether it’s family celebrations or the rehearsals of the dance group. Mostly restrained emotionally, this packs an unexpected gut punch towards the end of the film, where it shifts focus to a deserving subject and drops another key character.
Presumably that’s meant to reflect the perspective of the protagonist, though it does leave some stories up in the air. But Joyland remains a thoughtful, well performed and engrossing drama set in a culture that’s shifting, and not always with ease.
Title: Joyland
Studio: Oscilloscope Laboratories
Release date: April 7, 2023 (NY)/April 21 (L.A.)
Director-screenwriter: Saim Sadiq
Cast: Ali Junejo Rasti Farooq, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gilani, Sohail Sameer, Salmaan Peerzada, Sania Saeed
Running time: 2 hr 7 mins...
- 4/7/2023
- by Anna Smith
- Deadline Film + TV
The widely acclaimed film Joyland, the first Pakistani feature to premiere at the 75th Cannes Film Festival in Un Certain Regard, has just won the Best International Film award at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Starring Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gilani, Sohail Sameer, Salmaan Peerzada,
and Sania Saeed will soon be released in U.S. theaters beginning with New York on April 7, Los Angeles on April 21 plus more cities afterwards.
The debut feature from writer-director Saim Sadiq, Joyland explores the many sides of love and desire in a patriarchal society. Gentle and timid, Haider (Ali Junejo) lives with his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq), his father, and his elder brother’s family in Lahore, Pakistan. Following a long spell of unemployment, Haider finally lands a job at a Bollywood-style burlesque, telling his family he is a theater manager, when in actuality, he is a backup dancer. The unusual...
and Sania Saeed will soon be released in U.S. theaters beginning with New York on April 7, Los Angeles on April 21 plus more cities afterwards.
The debut feature from writer-director Saim Sadiq, Joyland explores the many sides of love and desire in a patriarchal society. Gentle and timid, Haider (Ali Junejo) lives with his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq), his father, and his elder brother’s family in Lahore, Pakistan. Following a long spell of unemployment, Haider finally lands a job at a Bollywood-style burlesque, telling his family he is a theater manager, when in actuality, he is a backup dancer. The unusual...
- 3/10/2023
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Through the course of this ensemble drama from Saim Sadiq a number of serious themes will emerge about the oppression of gender traditions but he displays a lightness of touch that hooks us on gentle observation as we enter the world of a single Pakistani household.
The family is ruled by an ageing widowed patriarch (Salmaan Peerzada), whose opinions of the rest of his brood are generally strict and sour. He reserves particular opprobrium for his youngest son Haider (Ali Junejo), who is more or less functioning as a house husband while his make-up artist wife Mumtaz (Rashi Farooq) goes out to work. While at home Haider cooks, cleans and helps out his older go-getter brother Kaleem (Sohail Sameer) and wife Nucchi (Sarwat Gilani) with their three - and soon to be four - young children.
The preference for boys is accentuated by Kaleem and Nucchi’s hopes for their latest.
The family is ruled by an ageing widowed patriarch (Salmaan Peerzada), whose opinions of the rest of his brood are generally strict and sour. He reserves particular opprobrium for his youngest son Haider (Ali Junejo), who is more or less functioning as a house husband while his make-up artist wife Mumtaz (Rashi Farooq) goes out to work. While at home Haider cooks, cleans and helps out his older go-getter brother Kaleem (Sohail Sameer) and wife Nucchi (Sarwat Gilani) with their three - and soon to be four - young children.
The preference for boys is accentuated by Kaleem and Nucchi’s hopes for their latest.
- 2/26/2023
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Saim Sadiq’s film explores the unsettled social and sexual identities of a widower and his children with delicacy and tenderness
The right way to feel love, and the right way to feel part of a family, are the insoluble difficulties at the heart of this mysterious, sad and tender movie from Pakistan, a drama brimming with life and novelistic detail, directed by the first-time film-maker Saim Sadiq. He has been rewarded with the Un Certain Regard jury prize at Cannes, an official entry-shortlisting for the Academy Awards (though not a final nomination), and derision and censorship from Pakistan’s sterner political classes for his film’s supposed sexual immorality.
It is the story of an extended family in Lahore. Rana Amanullah, or “Abba” (Salmaan Peerzada), is an elderly widower in a wheelchair who presides over a large clan in a cramped apartment, near an amusement park called Joyland. One son,...
The right way to feel love, and the right way to feel part of a family, are the insoluble difficulties at the heart of this mysterious, sad and tender movie from Pakistan, a drama brimming with life and novelistic detail, directed by the first-time film-maker Saim Sadiq. He has been rewarded with the Un Certain Regard jury prize at Cannes, an official entry-shortlisting for the Academy Awards (though not a final nomination), and derision and censorship from Pakistan’s sterner political classes for his film’s supposed sexual immorality.
It is the story of an extended family in Lahore. Rana Amanullah, or “Abba” (Salmaan Peerzada), is an elderly widower in a wheelchair who presides over a large clan in a cramped apartment, near an amusement park called Joyland. One son,...
- 2/22/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
CAA has signed director Saim Sadiq, who helmed “Joyland,” Pakistan’s official entry for the 95th Academy Awards, for representation.
Sadiq was named one of Variety’s “10 Directors to Watch” for 2023 in recognition of the film, which marks his debut feature. “Joyland” made its world premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival — becoming the first Pakistani film to debut at the fest — where it was awarded the Un Certain Regard jury prize and the Queer Palm. The film has also been nominated for best international film at the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards and made history as Pakistan’s first film to be shortlisted for best international feature film at the Academy Awards.
Written and directed by Sadiq, the film tells the story of Haider (Ali Junejo), who lives with his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq), his father and his elder brother’s family in Lahore, Pakistan. After a long spell of unemployment, Haider...
Sadiq was named one of Variety’s “10 Directors to Watch” for 2023 in recognition of the film, which marks his debut feature. “Joyland” made its world premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival — becoming the first Pakistani film to debut at the fest — where it was awarded the Un Certain Regard jury prize and the Queer Palm. The film has also been nominated for best international film at the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards and made history as Pakistan’s first film to be shortlisted for best international feature film at the Academy Awards.
Written and directed by Sadiq, the film tells the story of Haider (Ali Junejo), who lives with his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq), his father and his elder brother’s family in Lahore, Pakistan. After a long spell of unemployment, Haider...
- 2/15/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Joyland Trailer — Saim Sadiq‘s Joyland (2022) movie trailer has been released by Oscilloscope Labs. The Joyland trailer stars Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Rasti Farooq, Sarwat Gilani, Salmaan Peerzada, Sameer Sohail, and Sania Saeed. Crew Saim Sadiq and Maggie Briggs wrote the screenplay for Joyland. “Produced by Apoorva Charan, Sarmad Khoosat, Lauren Mann, Kathryn M. Moseley, [...]
Continue reading: Joyland (2022) Movie Trailer: A Family’s Hope For a Male Heir is Thrown Array in Saim Sadiq’s Film...
Continue reading: Joyland (2022) Movie Trailer: A Family’s Hope For a Male Heir is Thrown Array in Saim Sadiq’s Film...
- 1/29/2023
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
"Have you ever dance in a theatre before?" One of the best festival discoveries from 2022 is this Pakistani film titled Joyland, marking the feature debut of filmmaker Saim Sadiq. It was submitted by Pakistan for the 95th Academy Awards, but unfortunately it didn't make the cut as one of the five nominated. Joyland first premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, and it also just played at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival this month in their Spotlight section. "Take a first glimpse into the daring, soul searching film that delves deep into the challenging complexities of desire and gender identity through the lens of the Rana Family." The youngest son from a traditional Pakistani family takes a job as a backup dancer in a Bollywood-style burlesque theater, and he quickly becomes infatuated with the strong-willed trans woman, BIba, who runs the show. It stars Ali Junejo,...
- 1/27/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
No matter where in the world you live, and no matter what cultures you are surrounded with, there are a few emotions that are universally understood and felt. One of these universal emotions is more unspoken, and if they are discussed, they're kept in hushed whispers and closed doors. That feeling is repression, the regret of feeling something you shouldn't feel, even if you know it represents your true self.
Repression is at the core of "Joyland," Saim Sadiq's directorial debut, and Pakistan's controversial entry for the Oscars. It asks what were to happen if one fateful decision trickles down a traditional family unit, prompting their most hidden desires to come to light. That's exactly what happens when down-on-his-luck Haider (Ali Junejo) lands a well-paying job at an erotic dance house, serving as a background dancer to the intermission star, Biba (Alina Khan). As Haider begins earning money for his family,...
Repression is at the core of "Joyland," Saim Sadiq's directorial debut, and Pakistan's controversial entry for the Oscars. It asks what were to happen if one fateful decision trickles down a traditional family unit, prompting their most hidden desires to come to light. That's exactly what happens when down-on-his-luck Haider (Ali Junejo) lands a well-paying job at an erotic dance house, serving as a background dancer to the intermission star, Biba (Alina Khan). As Haider begins earning money for his family,...
- 1/21/2023
- by Erin Brady
- Slash Film
Indian actress Priyanka Chopra has praised Pakistan’s Oscar entry ‘Joyland’ calling it a “must watch” movie.
Priyanka took to Instagram Stories and shared a video of the film’s trailer. She wrote: “#Joyland is truly a joy to watch. Bravo to the entire team for bringing this story to life. It’s a must watch.”
She tagged the film’s makers, director, and some members of the cast as well in her post.
‘Joyland’, directed by debutante Saim Sadiq, tells the tale of a patriarchal family, craving for the birth of a boy to continue the family line. The family’s youngest son, the protagonist, secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for a trans woman.
The film stars Sania Saeed, Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gilani, Rasti Farooq, Salmaan Peerzada and Sohail Sameer. It was released in Pakistan in November after a short ban.
‘Joyland’ is currently...
Priyanka took to Instagram Stories and shared a video of the film’s trailer. She wrote: “#Joyland is truly a joy to watch. Bravo to the entire team for bringing this story to life. It’s a must watch.”
She tagged the film’s makers, director, and some members of the cast as well in her post.
‘Joyland’, directed by debutante Saim Sadiq, tells the tale of a patriarchal family, craving for the birth of a boy to continue the family line. The family’s youngest son, the protagonist, secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for a trans woman.
The film stars Sania Saeed, Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gilani, Rasti Farooq, Salmaan Peerzada and Sohail Sameer. It was released in Pakistan in November after a short ban.
‘Joyland’ is currently...
- 1/18/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
UK distributor Studio Soho has debuted the new trailer for Saim Sadiq’s debut feature ‘Joyland‘, the first film by a Pakistani director to win at the Cannes Film Festival 2022.
The feature follows a patriarchal family as they yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet. Their impossible love story begins to illuminate the entire family’s desire for a sexual rebellion.
The film stars Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Rasti Farooq, Sarwat Gilani, Sohail Sameer, Salman Peerzada, and Sania Saeed.
Also in trailers – Trailer drops for rom-com ‘Rye Lane’
The film will be released in UK cinemas on 24th February 2023.
The post Trailer drops for ‘Joyland’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The feature follows a patriarchal family as they yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet. Their impossible love story begins to illuminate the entire family’s desire for a sexual rebellion.
The film stars Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Rasti Farooq, Sarwat Gilani, Sohail Sameer, Salman Peerzada, and Sania Saeed.
Also in trailers – Trailer drops for rom-com ‘Rye Lane’
The film will be released in UK cinemas on 24th February 2023.
The post Trailer drops for ‘Joyland’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 1/17/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Left Handed Films, the production company of Academy Award-winning producer and actor Riz Ahmed, has joined the Pakistani film “Joyland” as an executive producer.
Written and directed by Saim Sadiq, “Joyland” made its world premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded the Un Certain Regard jury prize and the Queer Palm. The film has been nominated for best international film at the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards and was recently shortlisted for best international feature film at the 95th Academy Awards, as Pakistan’s official entry.
The film tells the story of Haider (Ali Junejo), who lives with his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq), his father and his elder brother’s family in Lahore, Pakistan. After a long spell of unemployment, Haider lands a job working as a background dancer at a Bollywood-style burlesque — though he tells his family he’s the theater’s manager — and falls in love with...
Written and directed by Saim Sadiq, “Joyland” made its world premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded the Un Certain Regard jury prize and the Queer Palm. The film has been nominated for best international film at the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards and was recently shortlisted for best international feature film at the 95th Academy Awards, as Pakistan’s official entry.
The film tells the story of Haider (Ali Junejo), who lives with his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq), his father and his elder brother’s family in Lahore, Pakistan. After a long spell of unemployment, Haider lands a job working as a background dancer at a Bollywood-style burlesque — though he tells his family he’s the theater’s manager — and falls in love with...
- 1/12/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Pakistan has banned Saim Sadiq’s critically-acclaimed film Joyland, saying that it contains “highly objectionable material”.
Joyland is a fictional story set in Lahore about a middle-class family in which a wheelchair-bound yet severe patriarch rules over his two sons and daughters-in-law.
He wants his kids to give him grandchildren, but that all changes when his younger son Haider falls in love with Biba, an intersex dancer who he works for.
The film, which also happens to be Pakistan’s official entry for the 2023 Oscars, was granted a certificate allowing it to be screened by the Pakistani authorities in August this year.
However, objections to the film’s content have since been raised.
“Written complaints were received that the film contains highly objectionable material which do not conform with the social values and moral standards of our society and is clearly repugnant to the norms of ‘decency and morality’ as...
Joyland is a fictional story set in Lahore about a middle-class family in which a wheelchair-bound yet severe patriarch rules over his two sons and daughters-in-law.
He wants his kids to give him grandchildren, but that all changes when his younger son Haider falls in love with Biba, an intersex dancer who he works for.
The film, which also happens to be Pakistan’s official entry for the 2023 Oscars, was granted a certificate allowing it to be screened by the Pakistani authorities in August this year.
However, objections to the film’s content have since been raised.
“Written complaints were received that the film contains highly objectionable material which do not conform with the social values and moral standards of our society and is clearly repugnant to the norms of ‘decency and morality’ as...
- 11/14/2022
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - Film
Activist and Nobel Peace Laureate Malala Yousafzai has joined Pakistani film “Joyland’s” team as Executive Producer, a Variety report stated. “Joyland,” directed by Saim Sadiq, is Pakistan’s official submission in the foreign language film category at the Oscars. Yousafzai is backing the film through her own production company, Extracurricular Productions.
“I am incredibly proud to support a film that proves Pakistani artists are among the best in global cinema. “Joyland” invites us to open our eyes to the people closest to us — to see our family members and friends as they are, not colored by our own expectations or societal bias,” Yousafzai said.
Read More: Malala Yousafzai Talks Social Media Activism, Politics And More In ‘British Vogue’
“Joyland” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May this year, where it picked two awards — Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and Queer Palm. “Joyland” is conquering the international film circuits...
“I am incredibly proud to support a film that proves Pakistani artists are among the best in global cinema. “Joyland” invites us to open our eyes to the people closest to us — to see our family members and friends as they are, not colored by our own expectations or societal bias,” Yousafzai said.
Read More: Malala Yousafzai Talks Social Media Activism, Politics And More In ‘British Vogue’
“Joyland” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May this year, where it picked two awards — Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and Queer Palm. “Joyland” is conquering the international film circuits...
- 10/5/2022
- by Divya Goyal
- ET Canada
Female education activist Malala Yousafzai, who heads her own film and TV production company, Extracurricular Productions, is joining “Joyland”, Pakistan’s Oscar submission in the international feature category, as an executive producer, reports ‘Variety’.
The film had its world premiere at Cannes earlier this year where it won the Queer Palm and the jury prize at the festival’s Un Certain Regard strand. It subsequently had its North American premiere at Toronto.
According to ‘Variety’, the film is currently playing at both the BFI London Film Festival, where it is competing for the Sutherland Award, which recognises the most original and imaginative directorial debut, and the Busan International Film Festival, where it is in the A Window on Asian Cinema strand.
The tale of sexual revolt sees a patriarchal family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an...
The film had its world premiere at Cannes earlier this year where it won the Queer Palm and the jury prize at the festival’s Un Certain Regard strand. It subsequently had its North American premiere at Toronto.
According to ‘Variety’, the film is currently playing at both the BFI London Film Festival, where it is competing for the Sutherland Award, which recognises the most original and imaginative directorial debut, and the Busan International Film Festival, where it is in the A Window on Asian Cinema strand.
The tale of sexual revolt sees a patriarchal family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an...
- 10/5/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Malala Yousafzai, who heads her own film and TV production company, Extracurricular Productions, is joining “Joyland,” Pakistan’s Oscar submission in the international feature category, as an executive producer.
The film had its world premiere at Cannes earlier this year where it won the jury prize at the festival’s Un Certain Regard strand. It subsequently had its North American premiere at Toronto.
It is currently playing at both the BFI London Film Festival, where it is competing for the Sutherland Award, which recognizes the most original and imaginative directorial debut, and the Busan International Film Festival, where it is in the A Window on Asian Cinema strand.
The tale of sexual revolt sees a patriarchal family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theater and falls for an ambitious transsexual starlet.
Yousafzai said: “I...
The film had its world premiere at Cannes earlier this year where it won the jury prize at the festival’s Un Certain Regard strand. It subsequently had its North American premiere at Toronto.
It is currently playing at both the BFI London Film Festival, where it is competing for the Sutherland Award, which recognizes the most original and imaginative directorial debut, and the Busan International Film Festival, where it is in the A Window on Asian Cinema strand.
The tale of sexual revolt sees a patriarchal family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theater and falls for an ambitious transsexual starlet.
Yousafzai said: “I...
- 10/5/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Sadiq’s debut feature was the first ever Pakistani film to premiere at Cannes.
Pakistan has selected Saim Sadiq’s Joyland as its submission for best international feature at the Oscars 2023.
Sadiq’s debut feature follows a married man who joins an exotic dance troupe and falls in love with the lead dancer, a trans woman. The cast comprises Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Rasti Farooq, Sarwat Gilani, Sohail Sameer, Salman Peerzada, and Sania Saeed.
‘Joyland’: Cannes review
Joyland world premiered at Cannes in Un Certain Regard as the festival’s first ever Pakistani film, and went on to win...
Pakistan has selected Saim Sadiq’s Joyland as its submission for best international feature at the Oscars 2023.
Sadiq’s debut feature follows a married man who joins an exotic dance troupe and falls in love with the lead dancer, a trans woman. The cast comprises Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Rasti Farooq, Sarwat Gilani, Sohail Sameer, Salman Peerzada, and Sania Saeed.
‘Joyland’: Cannes review
Joyland world premiered at Cannes in Un Certain Regard as the festival’s first ever Pakistani film, and went on to win...
- 9/30/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Saim Sadiq’s debut feature was the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes.
UK-based Studio Soho has acquired UK and Ireland rights to Cannes 2022 Un Certain Regard jury prize winner Joyland from Film Constellation.
Saim Sadiq’s debut feature was the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes and also won the festival’s Queer Palme award.
It follows a patriarchal family as they yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet.
UK-based Studio Soho has acquired UK and Ireland rights to Cannes 2022 Un Certain Regard jury prize winner Joyland from Film Constellation.
Saim Sadiq’s debut feature was the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes and also won the festival’s Queer Palme award.
It follows a patriarchal family as they yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet.
- 9/8/2022
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Saim Sadiq’s debut feature was the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes.
UK-based Studio Soho has acquired UK and Ireland rights to Cannes 2022 Un Certain Regard jury prize winner Joyland from Film Constellation.
Saim Sadiq’s debut feature was the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes and also won the festival’s Queer Palme award.
It follows a patriarchal family as they yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet.
UK-based Studio Soho has acquired UK and Ireland rights to Cannes 2022 Un Certain Regard jury prize winner Joyland from Film Constellation.
Saim Sadiq’s debut feature was the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes and also won the festival’s Queer Palme award.
It follows a patriarchal family as they yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet.
- 9/8/2022
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Discouraged identities and taboo desires emerge tentatively into the open in “Joyland,” but unlike in a many a coming-out drama, there’s no identified villain or oppressor — just an uncertain world in its own state of societal and generational transition. Pakistani writer-director Saim Sadiq’s confident, expressive debut feature is conscientiously fair to everyone in its Lahore-set domestic melodrama of secrets, lies and unforeseen self-discovery, but never feels like it’s hedging its bets or shying away from harder truths. Tartly funny and plungingly sad in equal measure, this is nuanced, humane queer filmmaking, more concerned with the textures and particulars of its own intimate story than with grander social statements — even if, as a tale of transgender desire in a Muslim country, its very premise makes it a boundary-breaker.
As the first Pakistani production ever to unspool in the Cannes official selection, “Joyland” entered the festival as something of a milestone,...
As the first Pakistani production ever to unspool in the Cannes official selection, “Joyland” entered the festival as something of a milestone,...
- 6/10/2022
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
The first Pakistani film to premiere at Cannes, Saim Sadiq’s Un Certain Regard selection “Joyland” rides a fine line between sweet and foreboding right from its opening shot, in which an unseen adult man waltzes mischievously with his nieces while shrouded in a bedsheet. His life, and his liveliness, are carefully concealed; he exists as if between the worlds of the living and the dead.
This is Haider Rana (Ali Junejo), a soft-spoken husband to an outspoken wife. The film revolves around him and uses him as its magnifying glass to zero in on social rigidities — gender and sexuality in particular — and the quiet, often painful ways in which they manifest.
“Joyland” is, on one hand, a kind film. It paints even Haider’s quietest moments in bright, living colors. He and his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq) — to whom he was betrothed before they met — have a playful, personable understanding of each other,...
This is Haider Rana (Ali Junejo), a soft-spoken husband to an outspoken wife. The film revolves around him and uses him as its magnifying glass to zero in on social rigidities — gender and sexuality in particular — and the quiet, often painful ways in which they manifest.
“Joyland” is, on one hand, a kind film. It paints even Haider’s quietest moments in bright, living colors. He and his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq) — to whom he was betrothed before they met — have a playful, personable understanding of each other,...
- 5/23/2022
- by Siddhant Adlakha
- Indiewire
Saim Sadiq’s feature debut, “Joyland,” returns to the world of erotic theater that he explored in his 2019 Venice and SXSW winner “Darling.”
“Joyland” will premiere at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard strand. The title, the first Pakistani film to be selected in Cannes, will vie for the Caméra d’Or.
The tale of sexual revolution sees a patriarchal family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theater and falls for an ambitious transsexual starlet.
Sadiq drew inspiration from his own family and a theater close to his home in Lahore. “I came from a very morally upright, middle-class conservative family, and to find out that this other world exists, literally like a 10-minute drive from my house, that I never knew of. It’s so different, the world of the theater, where sexuality is not...
“Joyland” will premiere at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard strand. The title, the first Pakistani film to be selected in Cannes, will vie for the Caméra d’Or.
The tale of sexual revolution sees a patriarchal family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theater and falls for an ambitious transsexual starlet.
Sadiq drew inspiration from his own family and a theater close to his home in Lahore. “I came from a very morally upright, middle-class conservative family, and to find out that this other world exists, literally like a 10-minute drive from my house, that I never knew of. It’s so different, the world of the theater, where sexuality is not...
- 5/22/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Condor has picked up French rights to Saim Sadiq’s drama “Joyland” ahead of its world premiere in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard. The title, the first Pakistani film to be selected in Cannes, will vie for the Caméra d’Or.
Film Constellation is representing international sales rights. WME Independent is representing North American rights.
Sadiq’s debut feature centers on the extended patriarchal Ranas family, who yearn for the birth of another boy. Meanwhile, their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theater and falls for an ambitious trans starlet. Their impossible love story slowly illuminates the entire Rana family’s desire for a sexual rebellion.
Condor’s slate also includes Joanna Hogg’s “The Souvenir Part I & II,” Kelly Reichardt’s “First Cow,” Paul Schrader’s “The Card Counter,” Kogonada’s “After Yang,” and Sundance 2022 Grand Jury Prize winner “Utama” by Alejandro Loayza Grisi.
Condor’s Alexis Mas said:...
Film Constellation is representing international sales rights. WME Independent is representing North American rights.
Sadiq’s debut feature centers on the extended patriarchal Ranas family, who yearn for the birth of another boy. Meanwhile, their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theater and falls for an ambitious trans starlet. Their impossible love story slowly illuminates the entire Rana family’s desire for a sexual rebellion.
Condor’s slate also includes Joanna Hogg’s “The Souvenir Part I & II,” Kelly Reichardt’s “First Cow,” Paul Schrader’s “The Card Counter,” Kogonada’s “After Yang,” and Sundance 2022 Grand Jury Prize winner “Utama” by Alejandro Loayza Grisi.
Condor’s Alexis Mas said:...
- 5/11/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Film Constellation, a U.K- and France-based sales firm, has been appointed to handle international rights for “Joyland,” which is set to be the first Pakistan-made film in Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival. Sales duties will be shared with WME Independent, which is is representing North American rights.
The tale of sexual revolution sees a happily patriarchal joint family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious transsexual starlet.
The film is the feature debut of writer and director Saim Sadiq, whose previous short film “Darling” won the Orizzonti Best Short Film award at the 2019 Venice Film Festival and was acquired for worldwide distribution by Focus Features.
The film stars Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Rasti Farooq, Sarwat Gilani, Sohail Sameer, Salman Peerzada, and Sania Saeed. Cinematography is by Joe Saade.
The tale of sexual revolution sees a happily patriarchal joint family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious transsexual starlet.
The film is the feature debut of writer and director Saim Sadiq, whose previous short film “Darling” won the Orizzonti Best Short Film award at the 2019 Venice Film Festival and was acquired for worldwide distribution by Focus Features.
The film stars Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Rasti Farooq, Sarwat Gilani, Sohail Sameer, Salman Peerzada, and Sania Saeed. Cinematography is by Joe Saade.
- 4/22/2022
- by Patrick Frater and Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Saim Sadiq’s feature will play in Un Certain Regard.
London and Paris-based sales outfit Film Constellation has boarded international sales on Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq’s Cannes Un Certain Regard title, Joyland. WME Independent is representing North American rights.
Sadiq’s debut feature is the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes.
It is produced by the US’s All Caps and Pakistan’s Khoosat Films in association with Diversity Hire, One Two Twenty Entertainment, Blood Moon Creative, Film Manufacturers Inc., Astrakan Ab, and Noruz Films. The producers are Apoorva Guru Charan, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat and Lauren Mann.
London and Paris-based sales outfit Film Constellation has boarded international sales on Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq’s Cannes Un Certain Regard title, Joyland. WME Independent is representing North American rights.
Sadiq’s debut feature is the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes.
It is produced by the US’s All Caps and Pakistan’s Khoosat Films in association with Diversity Hire, One Two Twenty Entertainment, Blood Moon Creative, Film Manufacturers Inc., Astrakan Ab, and Noruz Films. The producers are Apoorva Guru Charan, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat and Lauren Mann.
- 4/21/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Saim Sadiq’s feature will play in Un Certain Regard.
London and Paris-based sales outfit Film Constellation has boarded international sales on Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq’s Cannes Un Certain Regard title, Joyland. WME Independent is representing North American rights.
Sadiq’s debut feature is the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes.
It is produced by the US’s All Caps and Pakistan’s Khoosat Films in association with Diversity Hire, One Two Twenty Entertainment, Blood Moon Creative, Film Manufacturers, Astrakan Ab, and Noruz Films. The producers are Apoorva Guru Charan, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat and Lauren Mann.
London and Paris-based sales outfit Film Constellation has boarded international sales on Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq’s Cannes Un Certain Regard title, Joyland. WME Independent is representing North American rights.
Sadiq’s debut feature is the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes.
It is produced by the US’s All Caps and Pakistan’s Khoosat Films in association with Diversity Hire, One Two Twenty Entertainment, Blood Moon Creative, Film Manufacturers, Astrakan Ab, and Noruz Films. The producers are Apoorva Guru Charan, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat and Lauren Mann.
- 4/21/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: South Asian streaming platform ZEE5 Global is backing ‘Desi noir’ anthology series Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam.
The drama will be streamed on the app’s Zindagi vertical, which has been a digital bridge uniting Indian and Pakistani cinema creatives.
Emphasizing the theme of female empowerment, the show focuses on the fearlessness of women and their determination to avenge deceit, whilst being set in ‘Androon Sheher’ (meaning ‘Downtown’) – a mythical neighbourhood. Themes of love, ambition, revenge and revolution will also be explored. Meenu Gaur is director.
The series is headlined by prominent Pakistani actors including Sanam Saeed (Zindagi Gulzar Hai), Sarwat Gilani (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani), Mehar Bano (Daagh), Faiza Gillani (Deewangi), Beo Raana Zafar (Cake), Samiya Mumtaz (Dhoop Ki Deewar) and Eman Suleman (Zindagi Tamasha). Pakistani heartthrobs Osman Khalid Butt (Diyar-e-Dil), Ahsan Khan (Chupan Chupai) and Sheheryar Munawar (Parey Hut Love) will also star.
Co-written by Farjad Nabi, the...
The drama will be streamed on the app’s Zindagi vertical, which has been a digital bridge uniting Indian and Pakistani cinema creatives.
Emphasizing the theme of female empowerment, the show focuses on the fearlessness of women and their determination to avenge deceit, whilst being set in ‘Androon Sheher’ (meaning ‘Downtown’) – a mythical neighbourhood. Themes of love, ambition, revenge and revolution will also be explored. Meenu Gaur is director.
The series is headlined by prominent Pakistani actors including Sanam Saeed (Zindagi Gulzar Hai), Sarwat Gilani (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani), Mehar Bano (Daagh), Faiza Gillani (Deewangi), Beo Raana Zafar (Cake), Samiya Mumtaz (Dhoop Ki Deewar) and Eman Suleman (Zindagi Tamasha). Pakistani heartthrobs Osman Khalid Butt (Diyar-e-Dil), Ahsan Khan (Chupan Chupai) and Sheheryar Munawar (Parey Hut Love) will also star.
Co-written by Farjad Nabi, the...
- 11/10/2021
- by Anuj Radia
- Deadline Film + TV
EntertainmentWhile mainstream cinema is slowly changing its portrayal of gender norms, it's nowhere close to what's available online.Tnm StaffThe explosion of content on Over-the-Top (Ott) platforms has meant that there's a wide variety of options when it comes to entertainment. Whatever be the genre or language, viewers are spoilt for choice on online streaming platforms. It's no different when it comes to feminist content. Mainstream cinema in India has largely been disappointing when it comes to the representation of women, mostly conforming to gender norms and patriarchal attitudes. While this is slowly changing, it's still nowhere as close to the kind of content that's available online. Here's a list of web series that will make a feminist viewer happy, and not want to tear their hair out. Churails (Zee5): This show is from Pakistan and is about a motley group of women in Karachi who come together to start a detective agency.
- 9/16/2020
- by Sowmya
- The News Minute
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