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Films

Joyland

Director(s)
Saim Sadiq
Country
Pakistan
United States
Year
2022
Duration
126 minutes
Language
Pendjabi
Subtitles
English
Format
DCP

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 position shakes up the steadfast traditional dynamics of his household and enables Haider to break out of his shell. As he acclimates to the new job, Haider becomes infatuated with the strong-willed trans woman Biba (Alina Khan) who runs the show—an unforeseen partnership that opens his eyes and ultimately his worldview, in ways both unexpected and intimate.

*Jury Prize, Un Certain Regard – Cannes Film Festival 2022

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Director(s)
Saim Sadiq
Country
Pakistan
United States
Year
2022
Duration
126 minutes
Language
Pendjabi
Subtitles
English
Format
DCP