Independent filmmaker, Saim Sadiq’s feature film, Joyland has become the first film from the subcontinent to win a jury prize at Cannes.
Pakistani film “Joyland”, written and directed by debutant Saim Sadiq, won the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section of the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Friday, becoming the first-ever film from the subcontinent to bag the award.
Joyland, a drama about a Lahore family in the firm grip of deep-rooted patriarchy, was pipped to the section’s top award.
The award for “Joyland” represents a global breakthrough of immeasurable proportions for the relatively small Pakistani movie industry.
Incidentally, Joyland also won the Prix Queer Palm, awarded by Jury chaired by filmmaker Catherine Corsini on Friday. One of the central characters in the film is a transwoman played by a real-life transwoman Alina Khan
Earlier it also became the first ever Pakistani feature film to get a nomination at the Cannes film festival. It will be screened at the 75th Anniversary of the annual Cannes film festival. This film has made history by getting selected among the 14 films in the feature film category.
Sana Jafri who starred in the film took to her Instagram to share the proud moment for Pakistan with a screenshot from Cannes official website. The film, Joyland was written in the category of Uncertain Regard.
Many celebrities congratulated the entire team of the film.
Mahira Khan wrote, “This is amaaaazin’G! Congratulations to the entire team. And to Pakistan.”
Actor, Osman Khalid Butt also congratulated on Twitter, “This is FANTASTIC. What a huge moment for Pakistani cinema. Congratulations, Saim and the entire team of Joyland!”
Actor and model, Adnan Malik also shared the news on his Instagram story and congratulated to the whole team of the film, “This is some incredible news to wake up to.”
Oscar-Award winner, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy also took to her Instagram story to share her pride in achieving a milestone by Saim Sadiq.
Ms Marvel actor, Nimra Bucha also celebrated the proud moment for Pakistan and Saim on her Instagram story
Nadia Afgan wrote, “So proud of you, Saim Sadiq! Mommy loves you” as she posted Cannes’ official tweet on her Instagram story.
