By José Alberto Hermosillo
“Joyland” challenges consciences on many levels, serving as both a powerful coming-of-age story and a reflection of a society that denies essential rights, such as inclusion, free speech, and equal opportunities for everyone, including those who think outside the box. In life, we often generalize and stereotype others, but instead, we should analyze and evaluate each person as a vital part of the community.
The film focuses on Haider Rana (Ali Junejo) and his conservative family. He lives with his wife, Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq), his father, mother, and his older brother’s family in Lahore, Pakistan.
Haider is an unemployed, hardworking, and shy man who lands a job as a backup dancer in a Bollywood-style burlesque show. Soon, the helpful and naïve man falls for Biba (Alina Khan), a sparkling trans woman who hosts a show at a nearby theater. As circumstances grow more complicated, Haider must navigate his double life carefully.
Biba shares a simple but meaningful joke with Haider: “The chicken and the mosquito shared a kiss. Then, the mosquito died of bird flu... the chicken died of dengue.” She then explains: “Because falling in love means death.” The joke highlights two main, opposing characters: the religious married man and the openly gay transgender person seeking freedom in a conservative society with strict laws.
The vibrant production centers on three distinct and memorable characters: Haider, Mumtaz, and Biba.
For Haider, his family is as crucial as the show’s success. He takes Biba’s safety seriously and cares about his family’s well-being, but balancing everything in real life isn’t easy.
Mumtaz is emotionally fragile. She wants to be pregnant but doubts her husband’s job because of his frequent 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 impressive as Daniela Vega’s in the award-winning Chilean film “A Fantastic Woman.”
What is more remarkable about this moving production is that, despite featuring extraordinary actors, it was their first experience acting in films.
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| Saim Sadiq, "Joyland." Photo by José Alberto Hermosillo. Copyright © FestivalinLA |
First-time writer-director Saim Sadiq describes “Joyland” as a deeply personal project because he comes from a diverse, middle-class family that is also trying to climb the social ladder, much like the characters in his film. Still, he has to recognize that people in Pakistan live in a patriarchal society that imposes limits on progress, love, and desires.
Director Saim Sadiq created an honest and balanced script that consistently emphasizes the “trans” theme and social conflict, building a strong dramatic arc and an open ending. Politically, Saim acknowledges the influence of the extreme right wing in his country and admits that his work will likely upset many. He mentioned that after screening his controversial film in Pakistan, he didn’t expect everyone to stay and applaud. Still, he hoped his film would inspire people to enjoy it, reflect on it, and continue thinking about it.
The highly acclaimed Pakistani film transcends barriers of freedom and acceptance.
It won the Jury Award at Un Certain Regard, Cannes 2022. It also received Best International Film at the Independent Spirit Awards 2023 and Best Artistic Contribution at the Cairo International Film Festival in Egypt. The celebrated movie earned Best Ensemble at the Bangkok Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Valladolid International Film Festival in Spain.
“Joyland” was Pakistan’s submission for Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards and was one of the fifteen films shortlisted.
The unexpected twists of “Joyland” take us to places we’ve never experienced before. The film’s vibrant urban settings, colors, and textures, combined with compelling storytelling, elevate the cinematic experience and draw viewers into the story.
More importantly, it is crucial to highlight the vibrant Pakistani youth who work hard and aspire to explore new horizons beyond their family’s boundaries, free from social restraints.
In “Joyland,” every character genuinely seeks acceptance, love, and respect, while audiences witness the struggle, beauty, and diversity of Pakistani society and other communities worldwide.
JOYLAND | OFFICIAL TRAILER
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