In Banel & Adama, writer-director Ramata-Toulaye Sy expresses the delirium that comes with love and the downfall that’s doomed to follow it. This fable-like film about ephemeral bliss takes shape in a remote village in Senegal, where gender expectations are particularly pronounced. Crucial to the story isn’t only the expiration date that comes with feverish infatuation and society’s disciplinary powers, but the lack of synchrony between lovers—that is, when one lover’s allegiance to the relationship never seems to last as long as the other’s.
Per local tradition, Banel (Khady Mane) marries her deceased husband’s younger brother, Adama (Mamadou Diallo). If she’s to be left in peace, Banel is expected to excel as a wife. Which means doing the laundry, always sitting gracefully, working alongside the other women, and getting pregnant before her mother-in-law (Binta Racine Sy) threatens to find Adama a second wife.
Per local tradition, Banel (Khady Mane) marries her deceased husband’s younger brother, Adama (Mamadou Diallo). If she’s to be left in peace, Banel is expected to excel as a wife. Which means doing the laundry, always sitting gracefully, working alongside the other women, and getting pregnant before her mother-in-law (Binta Racine Sy) threatens to find Adama a second wife.
- 6/3/2024
- by Diego Semerene
- Slant Magazine
Ask any independent producer and they’ll tell you: making movies is a piece of cake. Scouring the Earth for viable, quality material? Wrangling, gracefully, volatile talent egos? Raising stupid amounts of capital and wearily securing every stray element of physical production? Delegating responsibility, absorbing crew complaints and mallet-flattening nonstop whack-a-mole near-disasters? Shrewdly navigating distribution in a broken marketplace and finally—if you’re very lucky!—appropriately proportioning revenue shares under perpetual threat of litigation for the duration of your fleeting mortal existence? Like we said. Easy.
Just kidding. This is some of the hardest goddamn shit you’ll ever try to do. But for 30 years Film Independent has been doing all it can to support filmmakers across every discipline and career level. In theory, of course, producers are everyone else’s best resource—the adult in the room solving problems and providing steady leadership. But who watches the watchmen produces the producers?...
Just kidding. This is some of the hardest goddamn shit you’ll ever try to do. But for 30 years Film Independent has been doing all it can to support filmmakers across every discipline and career level. In theory, of course, producers are everyone else’s best resource—the adult in the room solving problems and providing steady leadership. But who watches the watchmen produces the producers?...
- 3/20/2024
- by Matt Warren
- Film Independent News & More
London Mayor Sadiq Khan is saying no to a version of the Msg Sphere. On Monday, the mayor rejected plans to bring a version of the entertainment venue to Olympic Park over concerns of light pollution, the high electric cost, and the impact on nearby heritage sites.
“London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city,” said a spokesperson for the mayor to The Standard. “But as part of looking at the planning application for the Msg Sphere,...
“London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city,” said a spokesperson for the mayor to The Standard. “But as part of looking at the planning application for the Msg Sphere,...
- 11/21/2023
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
London mayor Sadiq Khan has shot down plans for a local venue identical to Las Vegas’ new Msg Sphere, The Standard reports.
After Madison Square Garden Entertainment opened the doors to their $2.3 billion sphere in September, the company was keen on making Stratford, London the next location for one of its ultra-futuristic, high-tech domes. But Khan rejected the proposal, reportedly citing the potential light pollution, whopping electricity bills, and threat to local historical sites.
“London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city,” a representative told The Standard. “But as part of looking at the planning application for the Msg Sphere, the Mayor has seen independent evidence that shows the current proposals would result in an unacceptable negative impact on local residents.”
This alone doesn’t necessarily mean a London Sphere is completely off the table,...
After Madison Square Garden Entertainment opened the doors to their $2.3 billion sphere in September, the company was keen on making Stratford, London the next location for one of its ultra-futuristic, high-tech domes. But Khan rejected the proposal, reportedly citing the potential light pollution, whopping electricity bills, and threat to local historical sites.
“London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city,” a representative told The Standard. “But as part of looking at the planning application for the Msg Sphere, the Mayor has seen independent evidence that shows the current proposals would result in an unacceptable negative impact on local residents.”
This alone doesn’t necessarily mean a London Sphere is completely off the table,...
- 11/21/2023
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Music
A few weeks back, when she and her friends stopped at a soft drink shop in Lahore, the shopkeeper refused to take money despite their repeated insistence. Finally, he whispered, “I have not seen ‘Joyland’, but know that the movie is being shown across the world. You have done the country proud.”
Walking home, she could not help but smile. She also remembered the time when she and her companions were pulled out of the car and beaten with sticks — their only crime — they belonged to the trans community. Not to mention, the several instances of sexual abuse.
Alina Khan, who played the character of ‘Biba’ in ‘Joyland’, Pakistan’s official entry to the 95th Academy Awards and the first film from the country to premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival and win the Jury Prize of the Un Certain Regard section, is just back from a long day before speaking to Ians from Lahore.
Walking home, she could not help but smile. She also remembered the time when she and her companions were pulled out of the car and beaten with sticks — their only crime — they belonged to the trans community. Not to mention, the several instances of sexual abuse.
Alina Khan, who played the character of ‘Biba’ in ‘Joyland’, Pakistan’s official entry to the 95th Academy Awards and the first film from the country to premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival and win the Jury Prize of the Un Certain Regard section, is just back from a long day before speaking to Ians from Lahore.
- 9/8/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Warner Bros. Discovery executive Lisa Collins has been named Group Vice President and will oversee the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across North America.
Collins, who previously worked as head of People & Culture Partners for Production at Wbd, will report to Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Asif Sadiq. Her appointment comes after Karen Horne, who had been Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, North America, was laid off by the company at the end of June, as the division sought a broader reorganization.
Other Wbd executives are moving onto the Dei senior leadership team, including Christian Hug, who will now be Gvp of Dei International; Yvette Latour who will be VP of Dei Workforce and Strategy, and Claire Brody, moving to Director of Dei, Emea.
In her previous role at Wbd, Collins was in charge of the team that provided Hr support to cast and crew...
Collins, who previously worked as head of People & Culture Partners for Production at Wbd, will report to Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Asif Sadiq. Her appointment comes after Karen Horne, who had been Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, North America, was laid off by the company at the end of June, as the division sought a broader reorganization.
Other Wbd executives are moving onto the Dei senior leadership team, including Christian Hug, who will now be Gvp of Dei International; Yvette Latour who will be VP of Dei Workforce and Strategy, and Claire Brody, moving to Director of Dei, Emea.
In her previous role at Wbd, Collins was in charge of the team that provided Hr support to cast and crew...
- 7/25/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lisa Collins has been named as Warner Bros. Discovery’s Group vice president overseeing diversity, equity and inclusion employee initiatives across North America. Collins will be replacing Karen Horne, who was let go a month ago amid restructuring efforts. She will, like her predecessor, be reporting to chief Dei officer Asif Sadiq.
Her promotion comes as Dei roles are under scrutiny following high-profile departures from Netflix (Vernā Myers), Disney (Latondra Newton), the Motion Picture Academy (Jeannell English) and elsewhere.
“Lisa is already a highly respected member of the Wbd team who deeply understands our employee population and has seen first-hand the positive impact equity and inclusion initiatives have on the corporate, creative and production processes – she is the perfect person to accelerate our employee programs throughout the region and will be an invaluable addition to my senior team,” Sadiq said.
Collins has worked for Warner since 2015, spending 30 months as a...
Her promotion comes as Dei roles are under scrutiny following high-profile departures from Netflix (Vernā Myers), Disney (Latondra Newton), the Motion Picture Academy (Jeannell English) and elsewhere.
“Lisa is already a highly respected member of the Wbd team who deeply understands our employee population and has seen first-hand the positive impact equity and inclusion initiatives have on the corporate, creative and production processes – she is the perfect person to accelerate our employee programs throughout the region and will be an invaluable addition to my senior team,” Sadiq said.
Collins has worked for Warner since 2015, spending 30 months as a...
- 7/25/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Warner Bros. Discovery has appointed Lisa Collins as vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, overseeing employee-initiatives across North America. She will report to chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer Asif Sadiq.
“I am thrilled to join the Dei team. Under Asif’s leadership, the Dei organization has become a shining example of Wbd’s commitment to training, retaining and promoting talented colleagues from across the company,” Collins said in a statement. “I am committed to this impactful approach and advancing our Dei initiatives to ensure our employees feel a sense of belonging and enthusiasm to build their careers here.”
In her new role, Collins will create and implement internal Dei programs, such as “designing business unit specific programs focused on recruitment, retention, progression, performance management, leadership development and employee engagement; working with executives in the region to further embed Dei in all areas of Wbd’s operations; and shepherding...
“I am thrilled to join the Dei team. Under Asif’s leadership, the Dei organization has become a shining example of Wbd’s commitment to training, retaining and promoting talented colleagues from across the company,” Collins said in a statement. “I am committed to this impactful approach and advancing our Dei initiatives to ensure our employees feel a sense of belonging and enthusiasm to build their careers here.”
In her new role, Collins will create and implement internal Dei programs, such as “designing business unit specific programs focused on recruitment, retention, progression, performance management, leadership development and employee engagement; working with executives in the region to further embed Dei in all areas of Wbd’s operations; and shepherding...
- 7/25/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Lisa Collins is Warner Bros. Discovery’s new Group Vice President, overseeing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion employee initiatives across North America. She will report to Chief Dei Officer Asif Sadiq.
Prior to Collins, Karen Horne served in the position before her exit in late June as the company was rethinking the Dei division.
The Wbd vet’s new duties will include serving employees’ regional needs and creating global opportunities around content and pipeline program initiatives. Additionally, Collins will create and implement internal Dei programs including: designing business unit-specific programs focused on recruitment, retention, progression, performance management, leadership development and employee engagement; working with executives in the region to further embed Dei in all areas of Wbd’s operations; and shepherding the growth of Wbd’s Business Resource Groups.
“I am thrilled to join the Dei team. Under Asif’s leadership, the Dei organization has become a shining example of Wbd’s commitment to training,...
Prior to Collins, Karen Horne served in the position before her exit in late June as the company was rethinking the Dei division.
The Wbd vet’s new duties will include serving employees’ regional needs and creating global opportunities around content and pipeline program initiatives. Additionally, Collins will create and implement internal Dei programs including: designing business unit-specific programs focused on recruitment, retention, progression, performance management, leadership development and employee engagement; working with executives in the region to further embed Dei in all areas of Wbd’s operations; and shepherding the growth of Wbd’s Business Resource Groups.
“I am thrilled to join the Dei team. Under Asif’s leadership, the Dei organization has become a shining example of Wbd’s commitment to training,...
- 7/25/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Karen Horne has exited her post as Senior V.P. of North America Diversity Equity and Inclusion for Warner Bros. Discovery as part of the company’s restructuring. A Wbd memo from Chief Global Dei Officer Asif Sadiq to staffers, which Variety has obtained, revealed the news on Friday.
Horne oversaw the Dei efforts for creative talent development pipeline programs, workforce, content and production while working closely with Sadiq to craft a global strategy for the company.
She joined the company in March of 2020, and was responsible for creating and implementing multiple pipeline programs that aim to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. Prior to her appointment, Horne was at NBC Entertainment and Universal Television Studios as Senior Vice President, Programming Talent Development and Inclusion where she was responsible for overseeing in-front-of and behind-the-camera primetime diversity efforts for NBC and Universal Television. While there, she started the Late-Night Writers Workshop in 2013.
According to the memo,...
Horne oversaw the Dei efforts for creative talent development pipeline programs, workforce, content and production while working closely with Sadiq to craft a global strategy for the company.
She joined the company in March of 2020, and was responsible for creating and implementing multiple pipeline programs that aim to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. Prior to her appointment, Horne was at NBC Entertainment and Universal Television Studios as Senior Vice President, Programming Talent Development and Inclusion where she was responsible for overseeing in-front-of and behind-the-camera primetime diversity efforts for NBC and Universal Television. While there, she started the Late-Night Writers Workshop in 2013.
According to the memo,...
- 6/30/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Karen Horne, who led Warner Bros. Discovery Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for North America, is leaving the company amid a raft of layoffs and major restructuring since the merger. Executives said Horne’s departure was not part of the broader staff retrenchment but a rethinking of the Dei division.
Dei head Asif Sadiq announced the departure of the well-respected, Burbank-based Horne in an email to staff. In September, Wbd revamped its Dei team under Sadiq, and Horne, SVP for North America, was a key leader. Three other positions — Europe/Middle East/Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific — reported to him. That move came after merged company faced criticism in its early going over its decision to appoint a slate of entirely white, male directors to its board and a relative lack of diversity in its top exec ranks.
Last year, Horne was put in charge of Warner Bros. Discovery’s popular directors program.
Dei head Asif Sadiq announced the departure of the well-respected, Burbank-based Horne in an email to staff. In September, Wbd revamped its Dei team under Sadiq, and Horne, SVP for North America, was a key leader. Three other positions — Europe/Middle East/Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific — reported to him. That move came after merged company faced criticism in its early going over its decision to appoint a slate of entirely white, male directors to its board and a relative lack of diversity in its top exec ranks.
Last year, Horne was put in charge of Warner Bros. Discovery’s popular directors program.
- 6/30/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery is laying off Karen Horne, a diversity, equity and inclusion executive, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Horne’s departure is not a result of cost-cutting measures, according to a memo sent by Warner Bros. Discovery’s chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer Asif Sadiq, but is rather due to reorganization of the division, which is meant to focus more on “employee-related initiatives.” The Dei team will search for a new group vp to oversee North America and employee Dei initiatives and a new group vp internationally, resulting in an expansion of the team.
“Importantly, these changes do not alter our commitment to or our plans for pipeline programs and content-driven initiatives — these are fundamental pillars of our DE&I strategy and will continue to be areas of investment and focus,” Sadiq said in the memo.
However, the layoff comes amid a trend of departures from Dei positions in the industry.
Horne’s departure is not a result of cost-cutting measures, according to a memo sent by Warner Bros. Discovery’s chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer Asif Sadiq, but is rather due to reorganization of the division, which is meant to focus more on “employee-related initiatives.” The Dei team will search for a new group vp to oversee North America and employee Dei initiatives and a new group vp internationally, resulting in an expansion of the team.
“Importantly, these changes do not alter our commitment to or our plans for pipeline programs and content-driven initiatives — these are fundamental pillars of our DE&I strategy and will continue to be areas of investment and focus,” Sadiq said in the memo.
However, the layoff comes amid a trend of departures from Dei positions in the industry.
- 6/30/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warner Bros. Discovery has laid off top diversity executive Karen Horne, a rep for the company confirmed to TheWrap on Friday.
Horne is the latest senior executive laid off at the studio as it conducts massive restructuring under CEO David Zaslav, following the much-protested June 20 axing of longtime TCM executives Anne Wilson, Dexter Fedor and Genevieve McGillicuddy.
In a worrying trend, a number of Dei execs have also exited in recent weeks at other studios, including Netflix’s Vernā Myers and Disney’s Latondra Newton.
Horne’s departure was announced internally on Wednesday, per an L.A. Times report published Friday. She was SVP of diversity, equity and inclusion in North America, having joined the company in March 2020.
Also Read:
Netflix’s Head of Inclusion Strategy Vernā Myers to Leave, Wade Davis Tapped as Replacement
The company’s Dei program will still be led by Discovery’s chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer,...
Horne is the latest senior executive laid off at the studio as it conducts massive restructuring under CEO David Zaslav, following the much-protested June 20 axing of longtime TCM executives Anne Wilson, Dexter Fedor and Genevieve McGillicuddy.
In a worrying trend, a number of Dei execs have also exited in recent weeks at other studios, including Netflix’s Vernā Myers and Disney’s Latondra Newton.
Horne’s departure was announced internally on Wednesday, per an L.A. Times report published Friday. She was SVP of diversity, equity and inclusion in North America, having joined the company in March 2020.
Also Read:
Netflix’s Head of Inclusion Strategy Vernā Myers to Leave, Wade Davis Tapped as Replacement
The company’s Dei program will still be led by Discovery’s chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer,...
- 6/30/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
The first ever Pakistani film selected to screen in Cannes draws its title from the eponymous amusement park in Lahore, a place that offers refuge to people who seek acceptance, or brief moments of joy.
“Joyland” is screening at San Diego Asian Film Festival Spring Showcase
Saim Sadiq returns to the topic of sexual identity and patriarchal structures that strongly dominate his homeland, and to the milieu of the erotic dance theatre he has already explored in his wonderfully accomplished short “Darling”, which won the Orizzonti Competition in Venice 2019. Starring Ali Junejo as Haider, a young man living according to tradition, dancing to the tunes of his father and his hoarse older brother Saleem (Sohail Sameer), “Joyland” speaks of repressed desires of both sexes, strongly divided gender roles, and a never ending chain of compromises someone who doesn't fit into such image has to make.
Haider lives in an arranged...
“Joyland” is screening at San Diego Asian Film Festival Spring Showcase
Saim Sadiq returns to the topic of sexual identity and patriarchal structures that strongly dominate his homeland, and to the milieu of the erotic dance theatre he has already explored in his wonderfully accomplished short “Darling”, which won the Orizzonti Competition in Venice 2019. Starring Ali Junejo as Haider, a young man living according to tradition, dancing to the tunes of his father and his hoarse older brother Saleem (Sohail Sameer), “Joyland” speaks of repressed desires of both sexes, strongly divided gender roles, and a never ending chain of compromises someone who doesn't fit into such image has to make.
Haider lives in an arranged...
- 4/21/2023
- by Marina D. Richter
- AsianMoviePulse
Winner of the Queer Palm at Cannes last year, writer-director Saim Sadiq’s feature debut Joyland depicts a blooming love between closeted married man Haider (Ali Junejo) and Biba (Alina Khan), a trans erotic performer who employs Haider as one of her (heretofore untrained) back-up dancers. The film chronicles the ever-shifting dynamics between Biba, Haider, his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq) and their intensely patriarchal immediate family. A ban on the film in Sadiq’s native Pakistan occurred due to Joyland‘s queer explorations. In a public statement, a right-wing government pundit stated that the film was “against Pakistani values,” adding that “glamorizing transgenders […]
The post “A Fear of the Freedom That You Thought You Wanted”: Saim Sadiq on Joyland first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “A Fear of the Freedom That You Thought You Wanted”: Saim Sadiq on Joyland first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 4/6/2023
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Winner of the Queer Palm at Cannes last year, writer-director Saim Sadiq’s feature debut Joyland depicts a blooming love between closeted married man Haider (Ali Junejo) and Biba (Alina Khan), a trans erotic performer who employs Haider as one of her (heretofore untrained) back-up dancers. The film chronicles the ever-shifting dynamics between Biba, Haider, his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq) and their intensely patriarchal immediate family. A ban on the film in Sadiq’s native Pakistan occurred due to Joyland‘s queer explorations. In a public statement, a right-wing government pundit stated that the film was “against Pakistani values,” adding that “glamorizing transgenders […]
The post “A Fear of the Freedom That You Thought You Wanted”: Saim Sadiq on Joyland first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “A Fear of the Freedom That You Thought You Wanted”: Saim Sadiq on Joyland first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 4/6/2023
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
CAA has signed director Saim Sadiq, who helmed “Joyland,” Pakistan’s official entry for the 95th Academy Awards, for representation.
Sadiq was named one of Variety’s “10 Directors to Watch” for 2023 in recognition of the film, which marks his debut feature. “Joyland” made its world premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival — becoming the first Pakistani film to debut at the fest — where it was awarded the Un Certain Regard jury prize and the Queer Palm. The film has also been nominated for best international film at the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards and made history as Pakistan’s first film to be shortlisted for best international feature film at the Academy Awards.
Written and directed by Sadiq, the film tells the story of Haider (Ali Junejo), who lives with his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq), his father and his elder brother’s family in Lahore, Pakistan. After a long spell of unemployment, Haider...
Sadiq was named one of Variety’s “10 Directors to Watch” for 2023 in recognition of the film, which marks his debut feature. “Joyland” made its world premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival — becoming the first Pakistani film to debut at the fest — where it was awarded the Un Certain Regard jury prize and the Queer Palm. The film has also been nominated for best international film at the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards and made history as Pakistan’s first film to be shortlisted for best international feature film at the Academy Awards.
Written and directed by Sadiq, the film tells the story of Haider (Ali Junejo), who lives with his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq), his father and his elder brother’s family in Lahore, Pakistan. After a long spell of unemployment, Haider...
- 2/15/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Writer-director Sam Sadiq’s feature-length debut, Joyland, is a film of firsts. It's the first Pakistani film to debut at Cannes (last year), where it won the Un Certain Regard and Queer Palm awards; the first Pakistani film to be shortlisted for this year’s Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film; and the first queer-themed film to receive approval for release in Pakistan, making it eligible for the 2023 Academy Awards, only for that approval to be rescinded two days before its scheduled release in Sadiq's native Pakistan. The film’s central message -- promoting tolerance for non-traditional gender roles, sexual/gender identity, and finding your true, authentic self -- ran afoul of Pakistan’s ultra-conservative censorship board, essentially proving why Sadiq’s film needed to be made in...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 2/3/2023
- Screen Anarchy
Joyland Trailer — Saim Sadiq‘s Joyland (2022) movie trailer has been released by Oscilloscope Labs. The Joyland trailer stars Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Rasti Farooq, Sarwat Gilani, Salmaan Peerzada, Sameer Sohail, and Sania Saeed. Crew Saim Sadiq and Maggie Briggs wrote the screenplay for Joyland. “Produced by Apoorva Charan, Sarmad Khoosat, Lauren Mann, Kathryn M. Moseley, [...]
Continue reading: Joyland (2022) Movie Trailer: A Family’s Hope For a Male Heir is Thrown Array in Saim Sadiq’s Film...
Continue reading: Joyland (2022) Movie Trailer: A Family’s Hope For a Male Heir is Thrown Array in Saim Sadiq’s Film...
- 1/29/2023
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
No matter where in the world you live, and no matter what cultures you are surrounded with, there are a few emotions that are universally understood and felt. One of these universal emotions is more unspoken, and if they are discussed, they're kept in hushed whispers and closed doors. That feeling is repression, the regret of feeling something you shouldn't feel, even if you know it represents your true self.
Repression is at the core of "Joyland," Saim Sadiq's directorial debut, and Pakistan's controversial entry for the Oscars. It asks what were to happen if one fateful decision trickles down a traditional family unit, prompting their most hidden desires to come to light. That's exactly what happens when down-on-his-luck Haider (Ali Junejo) lands a well-paying job at an erotic dance house, serving as a background dancer to the intermission star, Biba (Alina Khan). As Haider begins earning money for his family,...
Repression is at the core of "Joyland," Saim Sadiq's directorial debut, and Pakistan's controversial entry for the Oscars. It asks what were to happen if one fateful decision trickles down a traditional family unit, prompting their most hidden desires to come to light. That's exactly what happens when down-on-his-luck Haider (Ali Junejo) lands a well-paying job at an erotic dance house, serving as a background dancer to the intermission star, Biba (Alina Khan). As Haider begins earning money for his family,...
- 1/21/2023
- by Erin Brady
- Slash Film
“Joyland” is blossoming at the box office.
Saim Sadiq’s “Joyland” that made history as the first Pakistani film to be chosen in Cannes and shortlisted by the Oscars is slated to screen around the world.
Read More: Priyanka Chopra Shouts Out Pakistan’s Oscar Contender ‘Joyland’: ‘Truly A Joy To Watch’
“Joyland,” which is a sexual revolution story, is presently showing in French theatres and is being distributed by Condor. The film has already made over 1 million at the box office, setting a record for a Pakistani production.
Later this year, Oscilloscope intends to distribute the movie in traditional theatres in the US. It is now showing at Sundance in the Spotlight section.
“To see our labor of love receiving the immense support and critical acclaim of the industry, and then have that translated to global audiences across theaters around the world — it’s been an extraordinary journey I couldn’t have imagined,...
Saim Sadiq’s “Joyland” that made history as the first Pakistani film to be chosen in Cannes and shortlisted by the Oscars is slated to screen around the world.
Read More: Priyanka Chopra Shouts Out Pakistan’s Oscar Contender ‘Joyland’: ‘Truly A Joy To Watch’
“Joyland,” which is a sexual revolution story, is presently showing in French theatres and is being distributed by Condor. The film has already made over 1 million at the box office, setting a record for a Pakistani production.
Later this year, Oscilloscope intends to distribute the movie in traditional theatres in the US. It is now showing at Sundance in the Spotlight section.
“To see our labor of love receiving the immense support and critical acclaim of the industry, and then have that translated to global audiences across theaters around the world — it’s been an extraordinary journey I couldn’t have imagined,...
- 1/20/2023
- by Aashna Shah
- ET Canada
Saim Sadiq’s “Joyland,” a tale of sexual revolution which marked the first Pakistani film to be selected in Cannes and shortlisted by the Oscars, is set to travel around the world following its U.S. premiere at Sundance.
The film is currently playing in theaters in France, where it’s being distributed by Condor and has already grossed over 1 million, a record-breaking box office score for a Pakistani movie.
Championed internationally by Film Constellation, a London- and Paris-based finance, production and sales company, “Joyland” will next come out theatrically in the U.K. and Ireland (Studio Soho), New Zealand (Madman), Spain (Surtsey/Filmin), India (PVR), BeNeLux (September), Scandinavia (Njuta), Germany and Austria (Filmperlen/Filmladen), Switzerland (Trigon), Greece (Cinobo), Portugal (Nos Audiovisuais), Former Yugoslavia (McF), Turkey (Mars), Indonesia (Falcon), South Korea (Choix) and Taiwan (Filmware).
The film has been acquired by HBO in Eastern Europe, with Latin America, Israel and Italy currently in negotiation.
The film is currently playing in theaters in France, where it’s being distributed by Condor and has already grossed over 1 million, a record-breaking box office score for a Pakistani movie.
Championed internationally by Film Constellation, a London- and Paris-based finance, production and sales company, “Joyland” will next come out theatrically in the U.K. and Ireland (Studio Soho), New Zealand (Madman), Spain (Surtsey/Filmin), India (PVR), BeNeLux (September), Scandinavia (Njuta), Germany and Austria (Filmperlen/Filmladen), Switzerland (Trigon), Greece (Cinobo), Portugal (Nos Audiovisuais), Former Yugoslavia (McF), Turkey (Mars), Indonesia (Falcon), South Korea (Choix) and Taiwan (Filmware).
The film has been acquired by HBO in Eastern Europe, with Latin America, Israel and Italy currently in negotiation.
- 1/20/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Left Handed Films, the production company of Academy Award-winning producer and actor Riz Ahmed, has joined the Pakistani film “Joyland” as an executive producer.
Written and directed by Saim Sadiq, “Joyland” made its world premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded the Un Certain Regard jury prize and the Queer Palm. The film has been nominated for best international film at the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards and was recently shortlisted for best international feature film at the 95th Academy Awards, as Pakistan’s official entry.
The film tells the story of Haider (Ali Junejo), who lives with his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq), his father and his elder brother’s family in Lahore, Pakistan. After a long spell of unemployment, Haider lands a job working as a background dancer at a Bollywood-style burlesque — though he tells his family he’s the theater’s manager — and falls in love with...
Written and directed by Saim Sadiq, “Joyland” made its world premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded the Un Certain Regard jury prize and the Queer Palm. The film has been nominated for best international film at the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards and was recently shortlisted for best international feature film at the 95th Academy Awards, as Pakistan’s official entry.
The film tells the story of Haider (Ali Junejo), who lives with his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq), his father and his elder brother’s family in Lahore, Pakistan. After a long spell of unemployment, Haider lands a job working as a background dancer at a Bollywood-style burlesque — though he tells his family he’s the theater’s manager — and falls in love with...
- 1/12/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Trailblazing Pakistani movie Joyland has been picked up for U.S. distribution by Oscilloscope.
After becoming the first Pakistani movie to debut at Cannes, where it was awarded the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard category, and the Queer Palm, the film made more history by becoming Pakistan’s first film to make the Academy longlist for Best International Feature.
Written and directed by Saim Sadiq, and executive-produced by Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, Ramin Bahrani and Jemima Khan, the film charts the story of the youngest son in a traditional Pakistani family who takes a job as a backup dancer in a Bollywood-style burlesque. He quickly becomes infatuated with the strong-willed trans woman who runs the show. Starring are Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq and Alina Khan.
Oscilloscope is planning a traditional theatrical release for the film later this year. WME Independent handled domestic rights and brokered the...
After becoming the first Pakistani movie to debut at Cannes, where it was awarded the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard category, and the Queer Palm, the film made more history by becoming Pakistan’s first film to make the Academy longlist for Best International Feature.
Written and directed by Saim Sadiq, and executive-produced by Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, Ramin Bahrani and Jemima Khan, the film charts the story of the youngest son in a traditional Pakistani family who takes a job as a backup dancer in a Bollywood-style burlesque. He quickly becomes infatuated with the strong-willed trans woman who runs the show. Starring are Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq and Alina Khan.
Oscilloscope is planning a traditional theatrical release for the film later this year. WME Independent handled domestic rights and brokered the...
- 1/6/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq assumed that when he completed his debut feature, Joyland — which took him more than six years to develop, write, shoot and edit — his work on the project would essentially be done. He was, unfortunately, mistaken.
Joyland tells the story of the Ranas, a large family living in the heart of bustling Lahore. While the family yearns for the birth of a male grandson, the soft-spoken youngest son, who has a sweet but asexual relationship with a wife by arranged marriage, secretly takes up a job as a background dancer at an erotic theater, where he falls for a trans starlet. As their romance blossoms, strains emerge within the family, illuminating how each of them might be longing for a form of sexual rebellion of their own — outside the bounds of traditional patriarchy.
Joyland was selected by the Pakistani Academy...
Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq assumed that when he completed his debut feature, Joyland — which took him more than six years to develop, write, shoot and edit — his work on the project would essentially be done. He was, unfortunately, mistaken.
Joyland tells the story of the Ranas, a large family living in the heart of bustling Lahore. While the family yearns for the birth of a male grandson, the soft-spoken youngest son, who has a sweet but asexual relationship with a wife by arranged marriage, secretly takes up a job as a background dancer at an erotic theater, where he falls for a trans starlet. As their romance blossoms, strains emerge within the family, illuminating how each of them might be longing for a form of sexual rebellion of their own — outside the bounds of traditional patriarchy.
Joyland was selected by the Pakistani Academy...
- 12/14/2022
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A version of this interview with “Joyland” director Saim Sadiq first appeared in the International Film issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
First-time feature director Saim Sadiq’s tender, gritty, local-color-infused tale of Haider, an introverted married man (Ali Junejo) who falls in love with trans woman performer Biba (Alina Khan), was the first Pakistani film to ever premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and the Queer Palme.
We spoke with Sadiq before Pakistan’s Ministry Of Information and Broadcasting banned “Joyland” for “highly objectionable material,” which would have prevented its domestic theatrical release and jeopardized its Oscar eligibility. The country’s censor board review committee did not uphold the ban and gave the film the green light for a theatrical release.
What is the film climate like in Pakistan?
Making an independent film is, as it is in America, very hard.
First-time feature director Saim Sadiq’s tender, gritty, local-color-infused tale of Haider, an introverted married man (Ali Junejo) who falls in love with trans woman performer Biba (Alina Khan), was the first Pakistani film to ever premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and the Queer Palme.
We spoke with Sadiq before Pakistan’s Ministry Of Information and Broadcasting banned “Joyland” for “highly objectionable material,” which would have prevented its domestic theatrical release and jeopardized its Oscar eligibility. The country’s censor board review committee did not uphold the ban and gave the film the green light for a theatrical release.
What is the film climate like in Pakistan?
Making an independent film is, as it is in America, very hard.
- 12/7/2022
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
“Joyland” could be on its way to winning an Oscar.
On Tuesday, Dec. 6, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled its list of foreign films under official consideration for Oscar nomination for the 2023 Academy Awards.
Among the many films listed, one that stands out is “Joyland”, the acclaimed feature debut from Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq.
What makes the inclusion of “Joyland” so unique is the controversy the film generated in Pakistan, with the government’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting attempting to block the film’s release in response to complaints that the film contains “highly objectional material” that doesn’t align with the “social values and moral standards of our society.”
Read More: Pakistan’s ‘Joyland’, Banned In Country, May Still Qualify For The Oscars. Courtesy, France
While the film was met with scorn from the Pakistani government, “Joyland” had already won acclaim at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival,...
On Tuesday, Dec. 6, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled its list of foreign films under official consideration for Oscar nomination for the 2023 Academy Awards.
Among the many films listed, one that stands out is “Joyland”, the acclaimed feature debut from Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq.
What makes the inclusion of “Joyland” so unique is the controversy the film generated in Pakistan, with the government’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting attempting to block the film’s release in response to complaints that the film contains “highly objectional material” that doesn’t align with the “social values and moral standards of our society.”
Read More: Pakistan’s ‘Joyland’, Banned In Country, May Still Qualify For The Oscars. Courtesy, France
While the film was met with scorn from the Pakistani government, “Joyland” had already won acclaim at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival,...
- 12/7/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Insiders: it’s Friday, you’re hungry for a recap of big international film and TV news and I’ve got a pot of stories boiling on the hob. Jesse Whittock here dishing up the scoops of the week.
Amazon Freevee Rescues ‘Neighbours’
“With a little understanding/You can find the perfect blend…”: So goes the Neighbours theme that has been in living rooms (mainly Australian and British ones) for the past 37 years. When the show’s British backer, Channel 5, announced it was pulling its funding to focus on other types of programs over the summer, it certainly felt like the end of an era — the fact Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue and Guy Pearce returned for the finale episode shows just how deeply loved it was among its former stars and audiences alike. But sources at Fremantle, the show’s maker and distributor, were always quietly confident they’d find a fresh,...
Amazon Freevee Rescues ‘Neighbours’
“With a little understanding/You can find the perfect blend…”: So goes the Neighbours theme that has been in living rooms (mainly Australian and British ones) for the past 37 years. When the show’s British backer, Channel 5, announced it was pulling its funding to focus on other types of programs over the summer, it certainly felt like the end of an era — the fact Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue and Guy Pearce returned for the finale episode shows just how deeply loved it was among its former stars and audiences alike. But sources at Fremantle, the show’s maker and distributor, were always quietly confident they’d find a fresh,...
- 11/18/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Pakistani film “Joyland” has been greenlit for release following a censor review in the country.
“The film #Joyland has been cleared for release by the Censor board review committee formed at the direction of Pm @CMShehbaz,” Salman Sufi, an aide to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sherif, tweeted. “Freedom of speech is fundamental right & should be nourished within ambits of the law.”
“Joyland”, which is written and directed by Saim Sadiq, centers around a relationship between the youngest son of a “happy patriarchal joint family” and a transgender woman he meets after secretly joining an erotic dance theater.
Also Read:
‘Stranger Things’ Breakout Joseph Quinn Joins Lupita Nyong’o in ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’
The film, which won the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at the Canne Film Festival in May and has been submitted as the country’s entry for international feature at next year’s Oscars, was banned by Pakistan...
“The film #Joyland has been cleared for release by the Censor board review committee formed at the direction of Pm @CMShehbaz,” Salman Sufi, an aide to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sherif, tweeted. “Freedom of speech is fundamental right & should be nourished within ambits of the law.”
“Joyland”, which is written and directed by Saim Sadiq, centers around a relationship between the youngest son of a “happy patriarchal joint family” and a transgender woman he meets after secretly joining an erotic dance theater.
Also Read:
‘Stranger Things’ Breakout Joseph Quinn Joins Lupita Nyong’o in ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’
The film, which won the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at the Canne Film Festival in May and has been submitted as the country’s entry for international feature at next year’s Oscars, was banned by Pakistan...
- 11/17/2022
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
‘Joyland’ is set to have a joy ride in Pakistan. The south Asian country has reversed its ban on Saim Sadiq’s Cannes-winning Oscar contender ‘Joyland’, according to a senior advisor to the government, reports Variety.
Salman Sufi, the head of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Strategic Reforms unit, who has been a vocal opponent of the ban revealed the news on Twitter. He said that the film would now be allowed to release, albeit with some minor cuts.
“The decision is a simple yet powerful message that the government stands by freedom of speech and safeguards it, and cannot allow mere smear campaigns or disinformation to be used as choking creative freedom,” Sufi told AP, quoted by Variety.
According to Variety, on November 13, after ‘Joyland’ was banned, Sufi tweeted: “I personally do not believe in banning films that highlight issues faced by marginalised segments of our society. People...
Salman Sufi, the head of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Strategic Reforms unit, who has been a vocal opponent of the ban revealed the news on Twitter. He said that the film would now be allowed to release, albeit with some minor cuts.
“The decision is a simple yet powerful message that the government stands by freedom of speech and safeguards it, and cannot allow mere smear campaigns or disinformation to be used as choking creative freedom,” Sufi told AP, quoted by Variety.
According to Variety, on November 13, after ‘Joyland’ was banned, Sufi tweeted: “I personally do not believe in banning films that highlight issues faced by marginalised segments of our society. People...
- 11/17/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Pakistan has reversed its ban on Saim Sadiq’s Cannes-winning Oscar contender “Joyland,” according to a senior advisor to the government. An official statement on the reversal had not been issued yet at the time of going to press.
Salman Sufi, the head of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Strategic Reforms unit, who has been a vocal opponent of the ban revealed the news on Twitter and in an interview with the AP news agency. He told AP that the film would now be allowed to release, albeit with some minor cuts.
“The decision is a simple yet powerful message that the government stands by freedom of speech and safeguards it, and cannot allow mere smear campaigns or disinformation to be used as choking creative freedom,” Sufi told AP.
On Nov. 13, after “Joyland” was banned, Sufi tweeted: “I personally do not believe in banning films that highlight issues faced...
Salman Sufi, the head of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Strategic Reforms unit, who has been a vocal opponent of the ban revealed the news on Twitter and in an interview with the AP news agency. He told AP that the film would now be allowed to release, albeit with some minor cuts.
“The decision is a simple yet powerful message that the government stands by freedom of speech and safeguards it, and cannot allow mere smear campaigns or disinformation to be used as choking creative freedom,” Sufi told AP.
On Nov. 13, after “Joyland” was banned, Sufi tweeted: “I personally do not believe in banning films that highlight issues faced...
- 11/17/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Pakistani authorities are reportedly allowing controversial film “Joyland” to be shown in the country after all, following earlier reports that the government had blocked the film’s release a week before it was scheduled to debut in theatres.
“Joyland” is notable for being the first Pakistani movie in history to screen at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, winning the festival’s Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and the unofficial Queer Palm.
“As the Ranas — a happily patriarchal joint family — yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet,” reads the film’s synopsis on the Cannes Film Festival website. “Their impossible love story slowly illuminates the entire Rana family’s desire for a sexual rebellion.”
The film was subsequently submitted as Pakistan’s official entry for the international feature film...
“Joyland” is notable for being the first Pakistani movie in history to screen at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, winning the festival’s Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and the unofficial Queer Palm.
“As the Ranas — a happily patriarchal joint family — yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet,” reads the film’s synopsis on the Cannes Film Festival website. “Their impossible love story slowly illuminates the entire Rana family’s desire for a sexual rebellion.”
The film was subsequently submitted as Pakistan’s official entry for the international feature film...
- 11/16/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
At a certain point last month, someone in London or Los Angeles could listen to Arooj Aftab’s music in their AirPods, tuck Taymour Soomro’s debut novel “Other Names for Love” into their bag and head out to a screening of Saim Sadiq’s film “Joyland,” where outside the theater they would pass a movie poster featuring a painting by Salman Toor.
2022 proved to be a banner year for Pakistani artists. Aftab delivered the country’s first Grammy award, winning for best global music performance. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy directed episodes of “Ms. Marvel,” the critically-acclaimed Disney+ series featuring the first Muslim superhero in the Marvel universe. Novels like Soomro’s “Other Names for Love” and Mohsin Hamid’s “The Last White Man” won praise from critics. Toor became an art-world star with an exhibition at the Whitney Museum and paintings selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Debut writer and...
2022 proved to be a banner year for Pakistani artists. Aftab delivered the country’s first Grammy award, winning for best global music performance. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy directed episodes of “Ms. Marvel,” the critically-acclaimed Disney+ series featuring the first Muslim superhero in the Marvel universe. Novels like Soomro’s “Other Names for Love” and Mohsin Hamid’s “The Last White Man” won praise from critics. Toor became an art-world star with an exhibition at the Whitney Museum and paintings selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Debut writer and...
- 11/16/2022
- by Malala Yousafzai
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Saim Sadiq’s Joyland will receive a theatrical release in France from November 22 so that it can still qualify for the Oscars, despite being banned in its home country of Pakistan.
The film is Pakistan’s official submission to the Best International Feature category of the Academy Awards, but was banned by Pakistan’s Ministry Of Information and Broadcasting just one week before its local theatrical release on November 18.
It will now receive a one-week Oscar-qualifying theatrical run through its French distributor Condor Films, ahead of a longer release in France in December.
“The Oscar qualifying run pre-release has been confirmed at Aix en Provence Cinémas Mazarin and Renoir, one of the top ten arthouse cinemas in France,” Condor Films told Deadline. “It will play from 22 November every day for a week at 18:00. It will be followed by a nationwide release in France on the 28th of December.
The film is Pakistan’s official submission to the Best International Feature category of the Academy Awards, but was banned by Pakistan’s Ministry Of Information and Broadcasting just one week before its local theatrical release on November 18.
It will now receive a one-week Oscar-qualifying theatrical run through its French distributor Condor Films, ahead of a longer release in France in December.
“The Oscar qualifying run pre-release has been confirmed at Aix en Provence Cinémas Mazarin and Renoir, one of the top ten arthouse cinemas in France,” Condor Films told Deadline. “It will play from 22 November every day for a week at 18:00. It will be followed by a nationwide release in France on the 28th of December.
- 11/15/2022
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Pakistan’s ‘Joyland’ could still qualify for the upcoming Academy Awards for best international feature, despite being banned in its native country, which was announced on November 12.
The government of Pakistan banned Saim Sadiq’s Oscar contender for containing ‘highly objectionable’ material.
An order dated November 11 from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reads that the country’s censor board granted a censor certificate to the film on August 17, but has since reversed the decision, ‘Variety’ said.
Nonetheless, the awards strategists working on ‘Joyland’ tell ‘Variety’ they plan to give the film its required seven-day theatrical run in France by November 30, which is the qualifying release date cutoff for the Oscars’ international feature category.
The official Academy rules state: In order for films to more easily meet theatrical exhibition requirements, the Academy will allow films to qualify outside the country of origin, provided the film is theatrically exhibited outside...
The government of Pakistan banned Saim Sadiq’s Oscar contender for containing ‘highly objectionable’ material.
An order dated November 11 from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reads that the country’s censor board granted a censor certificate to the film on August 17, but has since reversed the decision, ‘Variety’ said.
Nonetheless, the awards strategists working on ‘Joyland’ tell ‘Variety’ they plan to give the film its required seven-day theatrical run in France by November 30, which is the qualifying release date cutoff for the Oscars’ international feature category.
The official Academy rules state: In order for films to more easily meet theatrical exhibition requirements, the Academy will allow films to qualify outside the country of origin, provided the film is theatrically exhibited outside...
- 11/15/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Despite being banned in its home country, the Cannes hit "Joyland" will still be eligible to represent Pakistan at the 95th Academy Awards. Variety confirmed in a report that the November 11th ban from the country's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting does not mean Saim Sadiq's feature debut is being revoked from consideration, thanks to some important loopholes. In order for a movie to qualify for the Best International Feature Film, it must screen for a minimum of seven days in a European country by the end of November, which its campaign managers told Variety it intends to do.
You might be wondering how a movie poised to be Pakistan's entry for the Oscars can still maintain that standing in the event that it gets banned, and that's understandable. However, "Joyland" still remains Pakistan's official entry because it was originally granted permission to screen in the country in August...
You might be wondering how a movie poised to be Pakistan's entry for the Oscars can still maintain that standing in the event that it gets banned, and that's understandable. However, "Joyland" still remains Pakistan's official entry because it was originally granted permission to screen in the country in August...
- 11/14/2022
- by Erin Brady
- Slash Film
Pakistan’s “Joyland” could still qualify for the upcoming Academy Awards for best international feature, despite being banned in its native country, which was announced on Nov. 12.
The government of Pakistan banned Saim Sadiq’s Oscar contender — which is Pakistan’s Oscar entry —for containing “highly objectionable” material. An order dated Nov. 11 from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reads that the country’s censor board granted a censor certificate to the film on Aug. 17, but has since reversed the decision.
Nonetheless, the awards strategists working on “Joyland” tell Variety they plan to give the film its required seven-day theatrical run in France by Nov. 30, which is the qualifying release date cutoff for the Oscars’ international feature category.
The official Academy rules state: In order for films to more easily meet theatrical exhibition requirements, the Academy will allow films to qualify outside the country of origin, provided the film...
The government of Pakistan banned Saim Sadiq’s Oscar contender — which is Pakistan’s Oscar entry —for containing “highly objectionable” material. An order dated Nov. 11 from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reads that the country’s censor board granted a censor certificate to the film on Aug. 17, but has since reversed the decision.
Nonetheless, the awards strategists working on “Joyland” tell Variety they plan to give the film its required seven-day theatrical run in France by Nov. 30, which is the qualifying release date cutoff for the Oscars’ international feature category.
The official Academy rules state: In order for films to more easily meet theatrical exhibition requirements, the Academy will allow films to qualify outside the country of origin, provided the film...
- 11/14/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Film deemed ‘repugnant’ by country’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Pakistan’s Film Producers Association has begun lobbying to overturn a ban on the release of Joyland in cinemas in the country.
Saim Sadiq’s Joyland, Pakistan’s official entry to the Oscars, was banned from release in the country last week.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released a statement on November 11 saying it had received written complaints that the film “contains highly objectionable material which do not conform with the social values and moral standards of our society.”
It added the film is “clearly repugnant to...
Pakistan’s Film Producers Association has begun lobbying to overturn a ban on the release of Joyland in cinemas in the country.
Saim Sadiq’s Joyland, Pakistan’s official entry to the Oscars, was banned from release in the country last week.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released a statement on November 11 saying it had received written complaints that the film “contains highly objectionable material which do not conform with the social values and moral standards of our society.”
It added the film is “clearly repugnant to...
- 11/14/2022
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Pakistan’s Ministry Of Information and Broadcasting has banned Saim Sadiq’s Joyland, the film that Pakistan submitted to the Best International Feature category of the Oscars, reversing an earlier decision to clear the film for theatrical release.
Sadiq and the team behind the film are appealing the ban, which they describe as a “sudden U-turn” and “absolutely unconstitutional and illegal”.
“Our film got seen and certified by all three censor boards in August 2022,” Sadiq said in an Instagram post. “The 18th amendment in the Pakistani constitution gives all provinces the autonomy to make their own decision. Yet the Ministry suddenly caved under pressure from a few extremist factions – who have not seen the film – and made a mockery of our federal censor board by rendering their decision irrelevant.”
The film, which won the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize when it premiered at this year’s Cannes film festival, revolves...
Sadiq and the team behind the film are appealing the ban, which they describe as a “sudden U-turn” and “absolutely unconstitutional and illegal”.
“Our film got seen and certified by all three censor boards in August 2022,” Sadiq said in an Instagram post. “The 18th amendment in the Pakistani constitution gives all provinces the autonomy to make their own decision. Yet the Ministry suddenly caved under pressure from a few extremist factions – who have not seen the film – and made a mockery of our federal censor board by rendering their decision irrelevant.”
The film, which won the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize when it premiered at this year’s Cannes film festival, revolves...
- 11/14/2022
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Update: Saim Sadiq, the director of “Joyland,” and the team behind the film, are raising their voices against the ban imposed by the Pakistan government. Terming the ban a “grave injustice,” Sadiq, in an Instagram post, says that the ban is “absolutely unconstitutional and illegal” and has urged the country’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to review the decision.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Saim Sadiq (@saim.sadiq)
Previously: The government of Pakistan has banned Saim Sadiq’s Oscar contender “Joyland” for containing “highly objectionable” material.
An order dated Nov. 11 from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting says that the country’s censor board had granted a censor certificate to the film on Aug. 17. But it has since reversed the decision.
“Written complaints were received that the film contains highly objectionable material which do not conform with the social values and moral standards of...
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Saim Sadiq (@saim.sadiq)
Previously: The government of Pakistan has banned Saim Sadiq’s Oscar contender “Joyland” for containing “highly objectionable” material.
An order dated Nov. 11 from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting says that the country’s censor board had granted a censor certificate to the film on Aug. 17. But it has since reversed the decision.
“Written complaints were received that the film contains highly objectionable material which do not conform with the social values and moral standards of...
- 11/13/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
After gathering acclaim and awards around the world, beginning with a winning debut at Cannes, Saim Sadiq’s “Joyland” has trained its sights on the next big prize – the international feature Oscar.
“Joyland,” set in Lahore, Pakistan, revolves around Haider, the youngest son of the middle-class, patriarchal Rana family. As the Ranas yearn for the birth of a baby boy, Haider secretly joins an erotic dance theater and finds himself falling for a fiercely ambitious trans starlet. Their love story illuminates the secrets and desires of the entire Rana family.
In its quest for the statuette, the film has gained a powerful ally. Pakistan education activist and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai who heard about the film – the first from Pakistan to be a Cannes official selection – watched it and boarded it as an executive producer. “Joyland” will be the first venture for Yousafzai’s film and TV production company, Extracurricular Productions.
“Joyland,” set in Lahore, Pakistan, revolves around Haider, the youngest son of the middle-class, patriarchal Rana family. As the Ranas yearn for the birth of a baby boy, Haider secretly joins an erotic dance theater and finds himself falling for a fiercely ambitious trans starlet. Their love story illuminates the secrets and desires of the entire Rana family.
In its quest for the statuette, the film has gained a powerful ally. Pakistan education activist and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai who heard about the film – the first from Pakistan to be a Cannes official selection – watched it and boarded it as an executive producer. “Joyland” will be the first venture for Yousafzai’s film and TV production company, Extracurricular Productions.
- 11/4/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Austrian filmmaker Marie Kreutzer clinched the best film award in the main Official Competition of the 66th London Film Festival with her latest feature Corsage, starring Vicky Krieps.
The historical drama, which is also the Austrian entry for the best international feature film Oscar race, follows the disgruntled Empress Elisabeth (Krieps), a 19th-century royal who, upon turning 40, begins to rebel against her carefully orchestrated public image.
The festival jury, headed by producer Tanya Seghatchian, actor Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones), filmmaker/playwright Kemp Powers (One Night in Miami), filmmaker Chaitanya Tamhane (The Disciple), and journalist Charles Gant described the film as a “mesmerizing and original interpretation of the life of the Austrian Empress Elisabeth.”
“The jury was completely seduced by Vicky Krieps’ sublime performance of a woman out of time trapped in her own iconography and her rebellious yearning for liberation,” the jury said...
The historical drama, which is also the Austrian entry for the best international feature film Oscar race, follows the disgruntled Empress Elisabeth (Krieps), a 19th-century royal who, upon turning 40, begins to rebel against her carefully orchestrated public image.
The festival jury, headed by producer Tanya Seghatchian, actor Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones), filmmaker/playwright Kemp Powers (One Night in Miami), filmmaker Chaitanya Tamhane (The Disciple), and journalist Charles Gant described the film as a “mesmerizing and original interpretation of the life of the Austrian Empress Elisabeth.”
“The jury was completely seduced by Vicky Krieps’ sublime performance of a woman out of time trapped in her own iconography and her rebellious yearning for liberation,” the jury said...
- 10/16/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to end its long-running writers and directors training program, which the conglom announced Tuesday as part of a series of layoffs and budget cuts at Warner Bros. TV Group, drew a strong rebuke from different parts of the industry, including a stinging statement on Wednesday by the Directors Guild of America.
But what Warner Bros. Discovery hadn’t followed up to explain — and quickly revealed on Wednesday — is that its Writers Workshop and Directors Workshop will live on but now move from Warner Bros. Television and be housed inside the conglom’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion unit.
The shift will happen in April, after the current 2022–23 Wbtv Writers Workshop class winds down. New chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer Asif Sadiq will take over the workshop programs, which will join existing pipeline programs division led by Warner Bros. Discovery Dei vice president Grace Moss and overseen by Warner Bros.
But what Warner Bros. Discovery hadn’t followed up to explain — and quickly revealed on Wednesday — is that its Writers Workshop and Directors Workshop will live on but now move from Warner Bros. Television and be housed inside the conglom’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion unit.
The shift will happen in April, after the current 2022–23 Wbtv Writers Workshop class winds down. New chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer Asif Sadiq will take over the workshop programs, which will join existing pipeline programs division led by Warner Bros. Discovery Dei vice president Grace Moss and overseen by Warner Bros.
- 10/12/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Madrid, Oct 8 (Ians) Matchday eight in La Liga comes after three of the four Spanish sides playing in the Champions League all lost in midweek, severely complicating their European futures. Here are some things to look out for in Spain this weekend.
1. Fixture calendar a factor for some
Matchday eight comes as we move into an intense period in La Liga, with some sides having to play two games a week until the competition is halted for the World Cup finals.
While Fc Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla all have work to do to qualify for the next stage in Europe, Villarreal, Real Madrid, Betis and Real Sociedad are well on the way toward assuring a place in the next stage of their respective competitions and will have more flexibility to rest key players to assure they are fit for important league ties between now and November 6th (when La...
1. Fixture calendar a factor for some
Matchday eight comes as we move into an intense period in La Liga, with some sides having to play two games a week until the competition is halted for the World Cup finals.
While Fc Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla all have work to do to qualify for the next stage in Europe, Villarreal, Real Madrid, Betis and Real Sociedad are well on the way toward assuring a place in the next stage of their respective competitions and will have more flexibility to rest key players to assure they are fit for important league ties between now and November 6th (when La...
- 10/8/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Activist and Nobel Peace Laureate Malala Yousafzai has joined Pakistani film “Joyland’s” team as Executive Producer, a Variety report stated. “Joyland,” directed by Saim Sadiq, is Pakistan’s official submission in the foreign language film category at the Oscars. Yousafzai is backing the film through her own production company, Extracurricular Productions.
“I am incredibly proud to support a film that proves Pakistani artists are among the best in global cinema. “Joyland” invites us to open our eyes to the people closest to us — to see our family members and friends as they are, not colored by our own expectations or societal bias,” Yousafzai said.
Read More: Malala Yousafzai Talks Social Media Activism, Politics And More In ‘British Vogue’
“Joyland” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May this year, where it picked two awards — Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and Queer Palm. “Joyland” is conquering the international film circuits...
“I am incredibly proud to support a film that proves Pakistani artists are among the best in global cinema. “Joyland” invites us to open our eyes to the people closest to us — to see our family members and friends as they are, not colored by our own expectations or societal bias,” Yousafzai said.
Read More: Malala Yousafzai Talks Social Media Activism, Politics And More In ‘British Vogue’
“Joyland” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May this year, where it picked two awards — Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and Queer Palm. “Joyland” is conquering the international film circuits...
- 10/5/2022
- by Divya Goyal
- ET Canada
Sadiq’s debut feature was the first ever Pakistani film to premiere at Cannes.
Pakistan has selected Saim Sadiq’s Joyland as its submission for best international feature at the Oscars 2023.
Sadiq’s debut feature follows a married man who joins an exotic dance troupe and falls in love with the lead dancer, a trans woman. The cast comprises Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Rasti Farooq, Sarwat Gilani, Sohail Sameer, Salman Peerzada, and Sania Saeed.
‘Joyland’: Cannes review
Joyland world premiered at Cannes in Un Certain Regard as the festival’s first ever Pakistani film, and went on to win...
Pakistan has selected Saim Sadiq’s Joyland as its submission for best international feature at the Oscars 2023.
Sadiq’s debut feature follows a married man who joins an exotic dance troupe and falls in love with the lead dancer, a trans woman. The cast comprises Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Rasti Farooq, Sarwat Gilani, Sohail Sameer, Salman Peerzada, and Sania Saeed.
‘Joyland’: Cannes review
Joyland world premiered at Cannes in Un Certain Regard as the festival’s first ever Pakistani film, and went on to win...
- 9/30/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Warner Bros. Discovery announced the leaders of its diversity, equity and inclusion team, with WarnerMedia UK SVP Asif Sadiq serving as its global chief officer.
Four regional vice presidents will report to Sadiq, including Karen Horne serving as SVP for North America, Rukasana Bhaijee as VP in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (Emea), Niarchos Pabalis appointed director for Latin America. A VP for the Asia-Pacific region will be announced at a later date.
“A strong focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is a top priority for our company, and we are committed to doing everything we can to get this right — not only because it makes good business sense, but because it allows us to build stronger connections with employees, partners and consumers,” said Sadiq, who was announced as chief Dei officer in July.
Also Read:
Sundance Film Festival Announces Expanded In-Person and Online Fest for 2023
“I am thrilled to...
Four regional vice presidents will report to Sadiq, including Karen Horne serving as SVP for North America, Rukasana Bhaijee as VP in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (Emea), Niarchos Pabalis appointed director for Latin America. A VP for the Asia-Pacific region will be announced at a later date.
“A strong focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is a top priority for our company, and we are committed to doing everything we can to get this right — not only because it makes good business sense, but because it allows us to build stronger connections with employees, partners and consumers,” said Sadiq, who was announced as chief Dei officer in July.
Also Read:
Sundance Film Festival Announces Expanded In-Person and Online Fest for 2023
“I am thrilled to...
- 9/20/2022
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Warner Bros. Discovery has restructured its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group for the first time since the newly formed company’s merger was completed in April.
With chief Dei officer Asif Sadiq, promoted in late July, based in London, the new structure puts an emphasis on handling Dei issues by international region: North America (led by senior vp Karen Horne, formerly WarnerMedia senior vp pipeline programs); Europe, Middle East and Africa (led by vp Rukasana Bhaijee, who was hired from Google in March to serve as executive director of Wbd’s workforce Dei strategy internationally); Latin America (led by director Niarchos Pabalis, hired from Booking.com in March); and Asia-Pacific (with a director to be announced soon). All four regional leaders will report to Sadiq, who reports jointly to Wbd CEO David Zaslav and chief people officer Adria Alpert Romm.
In addition,...
Warner Bros. Discovery has restructured its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group for the first time since the newly formed company’s merger was completed in April.
With chief Dei officer Asif Sadiq, promoted in late July, based in London, the new structure puts an emphasis on handling Dei issues by international region: North America (led by senior vp Karen Horne, formerly WarnerMedia senior vp pipeline programs); Europe, Middle East and Africa (led by vp Rukasana Bhaijee, who was hired from Google in March to serve as executive director of Wbd’s workforce Dei strategy internationally); Latin America (led by director Niarchos Pabalis, hired from Booking.com in March); and Asia-Pacific (with a director to be announced soon). All four regional leaders will report to Sadiq, who reports jointly to Wbd CEO David Zaslav and chief people officer Adria Alpert Romm.
In addition,...
- 9/20/2022
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Madrid (Spain), Sep 12 (Ians) The fifth round of matches in La Liga looks as if it has brought a premature end to the season of two top strikers.
Real Sociedad confirmed on Monday that Nigerian forward Umar Sadiq had suffered a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee in their 2-1 defeat away to Getafe on Sunday.
Sadiq had to limp out of the game in the first half and tests showed the full extent of the injury on Monday. The 25-year-old will need an operation and is unlikely to recover before the end of the season.
Sadiq just joined Real Sociedad from Almeria for a fee of over 20 million euros at the end of August, and the forward netted his first goal for the club a week ago in their 1-1 draw at home to Atletico Madrid.
Betis also look likely to lose their forward Juan Miguel Jimenez Lopez,...
Real Sociedad confirmed on Monday that Nigerian forward Umar Sadiq had suffered a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee in their 2-1 defeat away to Getafe on Sunday.
Sadiq had to limp out of the game in the first half and tests showed the full extent of the injury on Monday. The 25-year-old will need an operation and is unlikely to recover before the end of the season.
Sadiq just joined Real Sociedad from Almeria for a fee of over 20 million euros at the end of August, and the forward netted his first goal for the club a week ago in their 1-1 draw at home to Atletico Madrid.
Betis also look likely to lose their forward Juan Miguel Jimenez Lopez,...
- 9/12/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
While the fall festivals continue to launch several high-profile Oscar hopefuls from the U.S., many international contenders are at the mercy of their countries. The Academy requires films to be submitted for the Best International Feature Film category by October 3, but outside of requiring a theatrical release and that the language is at least 50 non-English, the countries can make their own decisions. For some countries known for censoring artists, such as Russia and Iran, that means films critical of their governments or societies don’t stand a chance at making the cut.
Yet this year, several films about sexuality and queerness from the Middle East are on the cusp of overcoming legal and cultural barriers to become their country’s submissions, and they’re all traveling to the Toronto International Film Festival this week. In the past, films with LGBTQ characters in countries that outlaw homosexuality have faced a tough road in Oscar season,...
Yet this year, several films about sexuality and queerness from the Middle East are on the cusp of overcoming legal and cultural barriers to become their country’s submissions, and they’re all traveling to the Toronto International Film Festival this week. In the past, films with LGBTQ characters in countries that outlaw homosexuality have faced a tough road in Oscar season,...
- 9/8/2022
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
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