Direction: Saim Sadiq
Country: Pakistan
Co-written and directed by Saim Sadiq, the semi-autobiographical social drama Joyland confronts change and forbidden desires in the ultra-conservative, patriarchal-centered Pakistani society. Although unrefined in the visual treatment, it’s a tragic tale of despair with important aspects to be absorbed.
The film stars Ali Junejo and Rasti Farooq as Haider and Mumtaz, respectively. Their marriage was arranged and their sexual life is unfulfilling, but they are good friends and support each other. Despite the constant pressure of his family, with whom they live in Lahore, the couple is not interested in having kids. Also not well tolerated is the fact that he remains unemployed, helping with the home chores, while she is the breadwinner, working in a beauty salon. Their situation will change drastically when the meek Haider accepts a job at the Erotic Dance Theater and meets Biba (Alina Khan), an impetuous, outspoken transgender who tries to survive on her own terms.
Sadiq signs a controlled film; a personal statement that embraces all aspects of its humanity, from vulnerability to strength and everything in between. The loneliness of the characters and misunderstood desires are explicitly painful, contributing to a heavy atmosphere where the portrait of masculinity doesn't conform with the established rules.
The realistic depiction, clarity of purpose, occasional gallows humor, and crucial message - with equality and freedom of choice at the center - are the reasons for the movie’s success, but the execution is a bit tacky, when it could have been aesthetically cinematic. Joyland was the first Pakistani feature to be shown at Cannes, where it won the Queer Palm and the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize.
