Joyland, directed by Saim Sadiq, premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival and won the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section. It was also Pakistan’s submission for the Oscars’ international feature category.
A Story Told with Care
The film follows a Lahore family and explores themes of identity and expectation, drawing praise from critics around the world.
About the Film
Joyland follows a young man in Lahore who takes a job that challenges the expectations of his conservative family. Through its characters, the film explores identity, love and the pressure to fit into traditional roles, and it does so with sensitivity and quiet humour.
Festival Success
After its Cannes premiere, the film travelled to other festivals and gathered awards and nominations. It was also selected as Pakistan’s entry for the international feature category at the Oscars, which added to its visibility worldwide.
Why Critics Praised It
- Natural performances from a talented cast.
- Careful, humane storytelling.
- Strong visual style and music.
More Pakistani Cinema to Explore
If you like Joyland, our list of best Pakistani movies to watch and our article on the revival of Pakistani cinema are good next steps.
A Proud Moment
For many fans of Pakistani cinema, Joyland’s festival run was a sign that homegrown stories can find a place on the world stage.