Joyland

In the organizer's words:

Haider, a daydreamer, is the youngest son of a conservative Pakistani extended family. While his determined wife Mumtaz earns money as a beautician, he looks after his nieces and cares for his father - but with no income and no offspring, Haider does not meet his family's expectations in any way. 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 the 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...

JOYLAND is director Saim Sadiq's 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)