After more than a decade, Joyland is set to become the second Pakistani film to release in theatres across India.
Speaking to Express Tribune, the ‘Joyland’ team confirmed the report that the Oscar-shortlisted film is set to release in India and other countries as well.
This news comes on the heels of the cancellation of the Indian release of The Legend of Maula Jatt after the film faced opposition by BJP politicians. Joyland will be the second Pakistani film to release in India, nearly a decade after Shoaib Mansoor’s Bol was released in the country.
Despite the ban in Punjab and backlash from religous clerics, the film is among the shortlisted films for the ‘Best International Film’ category for the Academy Awards. The final list of nominations will be announced on 24th January, with the final ceremony to be held on 12th March.
Speaking to CNN, Sadiq said that films like Joyland were important because they provided a realistic depiction of Pakistan:
“What’s different in Joyland than perhaps all the other Pakistani films is that it is the most realistic depiction of our society without romanticising any aspect of it. It’s not something that people are used to seeing, that is, a reflection of yourself – that can be haunting but also uncomfortable.”
The filmmaker added, “For me, seeing a film set in Pakistan about patriarchy and gender roles and the impact of those on human beings was important.”
