Hafenkino Open Air: Joyland

Haider is the youngest son of a very conservative Pakistani extended family. While his determined wife Mumtaz earns money as a beautician, he has been unemployed for a while. He takes care of his nieces and looks after his father - but with no income and no offspring, Haider is in no way in line with his family's expectations. When he unexpectedly gets a job one day, Haider's life changes abruptly: he secretly performs at night as a backing dancer in the show of charismatic transsexual dancer Biba. His initial fascination quickly develops into deeper feelings and Haider finds himself in a moral dilemma - because his family is eagerly awaiting a grandson while he dreams of his freedom...

With "Joyland", director Saim Sadiq makes his feature film debut and tells a multi-layered, explosive love story about tradition, family and freedom. "It is the de-romanticization of a coming of age story and a tribute to all women, men and trans people who suffer under patriarchy. The movie also celebrates the longing that creates incredible connection and everlasting love. Ultimately, it is a heartbreaking declaration of love to my homeland." (Saim Sadiq)

Director Saim Sadiq was named one of VARIETY's "10 Directors to Watch" for 2023 for his film JOYLAND, which marks his feature film debut. JOYLAND made its world premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival - making it the first Pakistani film to debut at the festival - where it was awarded the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and the Queer Palm. The film was also nominated for Best International Film at the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards and made history as Pakistan's first film to make the Oscar shortlist for "Best International Feature Film" at the Academy Awards.

Screenings of the film were banned in Pakistan; later the ban was partially lifted - Punjab is holding on to it.

Joyland. Saim Sadiq, France/ Pakistan 2022, 126 min., from 12 years, original language