Undoubtedly best film of the year: Indian filmmaker Onir hopes 'Joyland' bags Oscar

Saim Sadiq's directorial has been lauded worldwide for its brilliant storytelling and impeccable direction. A tale of the sexual revolution, Joyland tells the story of the youngest son in a patriarchal family who is expected to produce a baby boy with his wife. He, instead, joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for the troupe's director, a trans woman.

Now, Indian filmmaker Onir has praised the much-talked-about movie. "I have just experienced what is undoubtedly the best film this year," the filmmaker penned in an Instagram Story. "[It] should win an Oscar. I smiled and wept. What a film, Joyland."

He went on to tag Sadiq and the producers, Apoorva Guru Charan and Sarmad Khoosat. Lauding the actors, Onir wrote, "And can't stop thinking about the brilliant actors: Alina Khan, Rasti Farooq, Ali Junejo and Sarwat Gilani."

Pakistan’s Oscars Selection Committee shortlisted Joyland as the country’s submission to the 95th Academy Awards for the ‘International Feature Film Award’ category. 

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will choose the final nominees for all award categories including International Feature Film in December 2022. The complete and final list of Oscar nominees will be announced on January 24, 2023, with the presentation show for the 95th Academy Awards scheduled to take place on March 12, 2023.

Joyland features Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gillani, Salman Peerzada, Sohail Sameer and Sania Saeed. Speaking about the selection of his recent offering, the writer and director said, "I am humbled, thankful, and excited about this immense honor to represent Pakistan at the Oscars with a film that I truly believe is an honest and compassionate representation of who we are as people."

He had added, "I hope that the joys and sorrows of these characters foster empathy amongst the viewers in Pakistan and abroad. In the coming months, we will need many duas and good wishes from our people for the road ahead."

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