Acclaimed Pakistani film ‘Joyland’ has locked its theatrical release date in India. The film will premiere in select theatres in India on 10th March, 2023. Given the distinctive and niche subject of the film, ‘Joyland’ will most likely release only in theatres in Tier I cities of the country. For those who don’t know, ‘Joyland’ is Pakistan’s official entry to the Oscars 2023, in the Best International Feature Film category. Though the film couldn’t make it to the list of final 5 nominees in the category, it did reach the crucial shortlist of ten foreign films in contention at the Oscars, the first Pakistani film to win the honour.
Joyland also became the first Pakistani film to premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it had its world premiere. The film received a standing ovation after its screening, and also won the Jury Prize and Queer Palm prize for best LGBTQ, queer or feminist theme movie at the festival.
‘Joyland’ has had to go through several hurdles and obstacles, before it could even be released in theatres in Pakistan. The sensitive nature of the film’s subject compelled the Pakistani censor board to ban the film’s release in theatres in Pakistan. However, the censor board then allowed Joyland to be screened in Pakistan after several “objectionable erotic” scenes were censored in the film. Joyland features a transgender character in one of the prominent roles in the film.
‘Joyland’ is written and directed by Saim Sadiq in his feature film directorial debut. The film stars Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gilani, and Salmaan Peerzada in pivotal roles.
Joyland premieres in India in select PVR Cinemas theatres on March 10. Stay tuned to Binged for the list of theatres that will screen Joyland in India.
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