Saim Sadiq makes it to ‘Variety’s’ list of directors to watch out for in 2023

Filmmaker will also be honored at a Palm Springs International Film Festival event in January

Saim Sadiq has been listed among 10 directors to watch out for in 2023 by Variety for Joyland, his Cannes-winning film and the filmmaker has shared the good news on his Instagram.

Taking to the photo-sharing app on Tuesday, Saim posted screenshots of the article by Peter Debruge, which features a diverse mix of “up-and-coming directors whose films — all first or second narrative features — distinguished themselves earlier this year on the festival circuit or are set to premiere in 2023.”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Saim Sadiq (@saim.sadiq)

The article maintains that these directors will be profiled in the first print edition of the new year, and will also be honoured at an event on January 6 at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which resumes in-person screenings, panels and parties in early January, following two editions impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sharing the feat, Saim captioned his post: “Some good news from Variety today as we continue the fight to get #joyland to release in Punjab! Release Joyland.”

Fellow showbiz professionals have since congratulated Saim on the post. Rapper Ali Gul Pir commented, “I’m watching you”. Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy wrote, “So proud of you.” Director Mehreen Jabbar chimed in, “Truly well-deserved Saim.” Singer Natasha Noorani hailed him as a “hero” while Pasoori hitmaker Ali Sethi dropped a fire emoji.

Last week, Saim was also featured in TIME for a piece centering the “ban” on Joyland in Pakistan. “The Filmmaker Behind Pakistan’s First Cannes Entry Stands by Joyland’s Trans Love Story – Even if His Government Doesn’t,” its title reads. Sharing the same on his Instagram, Saim wrote: “We’re so happily buried under the insanely loving and generous messages and reviews from everyone in Sindh and Islamabad, Pindi for Joyland! But I think it’s about TIME we release Joyland in Punjab!”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Saim Sadiq (@saim.sadiq)

On November 21, Punjab’s Provincial Sports and Cultural Minister Malik Taimoor Masood rejected a plea to release Joyland in Punjab. He said that the theme and subject of the film is “controversial” and such a subject is “unacceptable in our society.” Taimoor also argued that the release of Joyland could trigger unrest in society, hence, it cannot be allowed to screen.