Joyland (film)

Joyland (Urdu: جوائے لینڈ) is a 2022 Pakistani drama film written, directed and co-edited by Saim Sadiq in his feature directorial debut. The film stars Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gilani, and Salmaan Peerzada.

Set in inner-city Lahore, Joyland centers around the low-income Rana family, headed by an elder patriarch (Peerzada) who yearns for the birth of a grandson. He forces his daughter-in-law Mumtaz (Farooq) to quit her job after Haider (Junejo), his youngest son and her husband, finds work at an erotic dance theater. However, complications arise when Haider becomes infatuated with Biba (Khan), a transgender dancer.

Joyland had its world premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival on 23 May 2022, becoming the first Pakistani film to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. It screened in the Un Certain Regard section, where it competed for the Caméra d'Or. The film received a standing ovation after its screening and won the festival's Jury Prize, as well as the Queer Palm prize for best LGBTQ-themed film.

It was initially banned for theatrical release in Pakistan and was approved for release after minor cuts. It premiered domestically on 18 November 2022 and received generally positive reviews from critics.

Joyland was selected as Pakistan's entry for Best International Feature Film at 95th Academy Awards. On 21 December 2022, it became the first Pakistani film to be shortlisted in the category.