Mahnoor Mahmood
The release of the Pakistani film Joyland (2022) has been anticipated since its production. The refreshing new cast, the visual display of colours, and the hidden Lahori culture were all prominent features in the teasers.
Joyland has been nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards in November 2022. But, despite gaining such immense attention on an international level, the release of the film was banned in its home country.
The film’s plot follows the story of a young boy from a traditional patriarchal, hierarchical family, who secretly joins an exotic dance theatre as a background dancer. He ends up falling in love with an actor who identifies as transgender, while his wife is expecting their first child.
Many Pakistani people raised objections against the movie, alleging that it was immorally promoting infidelity and homosexuality. While others worldwide had been awaiting the film’s release in theatres, homosexuality is still considered a rather sensitive topic in Pakistan. Non-heterosexual orientations are prohibited within the nation’s main religion. Therefore, a ban on Joyland‘s release was ultimately carried out by the Ministry of Information on the 11th of November, on the basis of religious atrocity.
Public Divided
The general public in Pakistan has had mixed reactions to the ban.
“We don’t need these people promoting something so vulgar”
Comments on social media included “Good to see people are addressing the problem of society” and “The decision to ban was a good one. We don’t need these people promoting something so vulgar.” However, others opposed the ban. “We have been deprived of good cinema for so long. When we finally have something, it gets banned”. People are hoping “they conduct a proper investigation as to why the ban was approved.”
Celebrities are also divided on this matter. A few of them are waiting for the ban to be lifted, filing several online petitions with high hopes. Others are standing alongside the government and don’t want the film to be released at all.
Some celebrities are taking their views to social media: “We hope this disappointing decision of revoking the film’s license for release in Pakistan is reversed immediately.”
Ali Raza, a prominent personality in Pakistan, addressed the matter. He claimed: “They think when we talk about trans people, we are talking about homosexuals too, which is a separate debate.” Ali further stated that there is absolutely nothing objectionable about Joyland. The plot revolves around the story of a transgender dancer.
Widespread Protests
Despite many varied opinions on whether the film should be released, the ban was ultimately lifted. Many people have been thrilled to see the ban being lifted and expressed their joy by congratulating the producer on his social media. Comments including “It’s a gorgeous film” were present under the latest promotional posts.
However, significant numbers remain upset about the release and have set up hate pages on social media to make their voices heard.
Nevertheless, now Joyland has been made available for the general public to see and decide for themselves.
Featured image courtesy of Sam McGhee on Unsplash. Image license can be found here.
