By José Alberto Hermosillo
“Joyland” is a touching allegory of love, despair, and melancholia—a triumph in Pakistani cinema.
“Joyland” moves consciences on many levels as a poignant coming-of-age story and a reflection of a society that denies fundamental rights, such as inclusion, freedom of speech, and equal opportunities for all, including those who may think outside the box. In life, we tend to generalize and stereotype others when instead, we should analyze and assess each individual as an essential part of the community.
The film centers on Haider Rana (Ali Junejo) and his conservative family. He lives with his wife, Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq), his father, mother, and his elder brother’s family in Lahore, Pakistan.
Haider is an unemployed, hard-working, and timid guy who gets a job as a backup dancer in a Bollywood-style burlesque show. Soon, the helpful and naïve man becomes infatuated with Biba (Alina Khan), a glittering trans woman who runs a show in a nearby theater. As things become complicated, Haider must navigate his double life without harm.
Biba tells Haider an innocent but meaningful joke: “The chicken and the mosquito shared a kiss. Then, the mosquito died of bird flu... the chicken died of dengue.” She then explains herself: “Because falling in love means death.” The joke relates to the two main, opposite characters: the religious married man and the openly gay transgender person seeking freedom in a conservative society with orthodox laws.
The accomplished and flashy production focuses on three distinct and unique characters: Haider, Mumtaz, and Biba.
For Haider, his family is as important as the show’s success. He takes Biba’s safety personally and values his family’s well-being equally, but in reality, it is not easy to balance everything.
For Haider, his family is as important as the show’s success. He takes Biba’s safety personally and values his family’s well-being equally, but in reality, it is not easy to balance everything.
Mumtaz is emotionally unstable. She wants to be pregnant but questions her husband’s job due to his notorious absences.
Biba’s multidimensional character is neither sugar-coated nor does she pretend to be cute. She is an energetic, confident, and trustworthy trans woman who aspires to emigrate to Germany. Her honesty causes her to reject those who care for her, including Haider. Alina Khan’s performance is as good as Daniela Vega’s in the award-winning Chilean film “A Fantastic Woman.”
What is more striking about this moving production is that, despite the extraordinary actors who participated in the film, it was their first experience acting in movies.
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| Saim Sadiq, "Joyland." Photo by José Alberto Hermosillo. Copyright © FestivalinLA |
Director Saim Sadiq crafted an honest and objective script that consistently maintains the “trans” theme and social conflict, creating a solid dramatic arc and an open ending.
Politically speaking, Saim understands the influence of the extreme right-wing in his country and acknowledges that his work will upset many. He mentioned that after screening his controversial film in Pakistan, he did not expect everyone to walk out of the movie theater and embrace him. However, his film encourages people to enjoy, reflect, and continue thinking.
The highly acclimated Pakistani work transcends the winds of freedom and acceptance.
The winner of the Jury Award at Un Certain Regard, Cannes 2022. It also won Best International Film at the Independent Spirit Awards 2023 and Best Artistic Contribution at the Cairo International Film Festival in Egypt. The acclaimed film received Best Ensemble in Bangkok and the Audience Award at the Valladolid International Film Festival in Spain.
“Joyland” was Pakistan’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards and was one of the fifteen shortlisted films.
The unexpected twists and turns of “Joyland” take us to places we have never been. The movie’s rich urban settings, colors, and textures, combined with powerful storytelling, enhance the cinematic experience and immerse viewers deeply in the story.
More importantly, it is crucial to represent the vibrant Pakistani youth who work hard and wish to explore new horizons beyond their family’s nucleus without social restraint.
In “Joyland,” every character earnestly seeks acceptance, love, and respect while audiences witness the struggle, beauty, and diversity of Pakistani society and other communities around the world.
JOYLAND | OFFICIAL TRAILER
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