Joyland’s journey from getting banned to getting shortlisted for Oscars

Saim Sadiq's directorial has been making waves since its release in May 2022.

Ever since Saim Sadiq's directorial Joyland had its world premiere at the 75^th Cannes Film Festival on May 23 last year, the entire Pakistani cinema has been feeling its thunder. From receiving a standing ovation after its first screening to making waves at multiple renowned film festivals, the Ali Junejo-starrer set a strong footing in the industry.

However, as time passed, the feature began facing scrutiny – the creator found himself in many controversies in his country of origin, which led to its untimely ban by the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) before a nationwide release. Although the Sindh Censor Board members approved the film's premiere on November 18, the ban continued in other provinces. Still, with their heads held high, the Joyland team persisted to reach more milestones until they inched closer to bagging a nomination at the Oscars.

Given the chaotic journey of the poignant drama in Pakistan, here's a timeline of the events that followed up the much-acclaimed film’s journey from breaking taboos, to becoming the face of change for contemporary cinema in Pakistan.

The struggle for inclusivity

Perhaps one of the most challenging tasks Sadiq took after Joyland's ban in November was to keep battling for the inclusivity of motion pictures in cinema. His never-ending efforts to fight for his film's premiere in Pakistan unleashed a fire in the entertainment industry with many celebrities chiming in to call for justice and standing in solidarity with the entire team.

This protest led to a massive trend on Twitter with two polarised hashtags, one demanding to “Ban Joyland,” with the other requesting the CBFC to review their decision and “Release Joyland”. Sadiq, too, broke his silence and posted a long statement to his Instagram account. "We-as a team- are gutted by this development but fully intend to raise our voice against this grave injustice," he wrote.

Sadiq then went on to remind his followers that legally his debut film is still "certified to release in Punjab and Sindh on November 18th." He added that he was "compelled to point out that this sudden U-turn by the Pakistan Ministry of information and Broadcasting is unconstitutional and illegal. Our film got seen and certified by all three censor boards in August 2022."

Moving on, he also requested the Censor Board to reconsider their judgment. "I am urging the Pakistan Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to please review this decision and return the right of our citizens to be able to watch the film that has made their country's cinema proud the world over."

And yes, after much protest, and pleas, PM Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee to “deliberate on complaints against Joyland,” which eventually led to CBFC giving the green signal for its release in cinemas on November 18. However, it is important to mention that the Punjab Censor Board immediately issued a notice to ban the film instead, therefore, Joyland's tear-jerker narrative did not see the light of day in any Punjabi theatre to date.

International awards

While Sadiq's nation was busy assessing the film for its "indecent and immoral content," the world saw Joyland as a masterpiece and commended its brave and authentic narrative. After bagging The Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival in May 2022, Joyland continued to make waves in the proceeding months at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and then the TIFF for its North American premiere.

Later Joyland was also submitted to the BFI London Film Festival 2022 and the film kept on grabbing accolades even in 2023 as Junejo won big at Palm Springs Film Festival for the Best Actor category.

It's safe to say that Joyland had become a notable cinematic picture by this point, especially after the filmmaker's huge breakthrough by being shortlisted for Oscar nominations in January 2023. The Academy announced that fifteen films advanced to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category, which included Pakistan's most contentious acclaim as well.

The praises that keep coming

Joyland might also be the only Pakistani film which has received massive applause from popular filmmakers and personalities from all over the world. Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur recently took to Twitter to appreciate the film's success online. "I'm surprised the film Joyland is not getting more attention at the Oscars. The film was initially banned in Pakistan. The stunning performance by Alina Khan, herself a Transwoman is easily amongst the best I've seen this year," penned the Elizabeth director.

Ritesh Batra whose heartwarming film The Lunchbox was the talk of the town in 2013 also sang praises for the Pakistani movie. He said, "Seriously, I still can't get over how amazing this movie is, all the characters are so beautiful!" Indian filmmaker Onir also hailed the much-talked-about film. "I have just experienced what is undoubtedly the best film this year. [It] should win an Oscar. I smiled and wept. What a film, Joyland," wrote the screenwriter in an Instagram Story.

Edgar Wright, the creator of popular hit films such as Shawn of the Dead and Baby Driver also recommended Joyland to his Twitter followers. "Loved the film, do see it!" said the English filmmaker. And most recently on Tuesday, Priyanka Chopra took to her Instagram Stories to note, “Joyland is truly a joy to watch. Bravo to the entire team for bringing this story to life. It’s a must watch.” Other public figures including Alexandra Daddario, Rupi Kaur, Gael Garcia Bernal and Sean Baker had also given a nod to the film through their social media accounts.

‘Joyland’ Pakistan's best bet to win an Oscar?

Although Joyland's future was deemed uncertain in Pakistan, it's long been favoured and supported by many prominent faces internationally. In October 2022, Malala Yousafzai joined the team as an executive producer and following her lead, Oscar-winner actor Rizwan Ahmed also on-boarded Sadiq's directorial in the same capacity.

Taking to Instagram, Ahmed shared he was overjoyed over the partnership. "We are so proud at Left Handed Films to be a part of Joyland. Our motto is "go left" and Saim Sadiq's unique film does just that," the Emmy-winning artist penned.  While the magnus accolade event inches closer, Joyland might be the only Pakistani film that has gotten this far to being shortlisted for the nominations. Considering the backing the team has now, it is likely Pakistan's best win to bag an Oscar too!

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