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 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)

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.

Director: Saim Sadiq
Cinematography: Joe Saade

France/Pakistan 2022, 126 minutes OVR (Urdu, Punjabi)

FSK 12

Trailer - JOYLAND

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