Joyland, a trailblazing trans love story, was not selected for the Oscars. Directed by Saim Sadiq, the film portrays the intersecting lives of three people in Lahore, whose paths are shaped by love, desire, and fate. Haider (Ali Junejo), the conflicted husband, falls for Biba (Alina Khan), the trans woman director of a Bollywood-style burlesque troupe, after he begins working as a background dancer. This leads to a complicated affair that involves his disillusioned wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq).
The film received recognition at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, winning the Un Certain Regard jury prize and the Queer Palm, and was also shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards. The trailer of Joyland highlights the beauty of the Pakistani trans community, tackling challenging themes while also showcasing Lahore’s rich and diverse queer culture. Riz Ahmed, an Oscar and Emmy winner, joined the project as executive producer, hailing the film as one of the best of the year.
Joyland’s release in Pakistani cinemas caused controversy, leading to a ban in some areas, including Lahore. However, the ban was later reduced to only covering the Punjab. With Pakistan’s first transgender rights march and campaign for change underway, the film’s message is more pertinent than ever.