& Saim Sadiq

Joyland

7.6

The youngest son in a traditional Pakistani family takes a job as a backup dancer in a Bollywood-style burlesque, and he quickly becomes infatuated with the strong-willed trans woman who runs the show.

Director: , Saim Sadiq
Main Cast: Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gilani
Cinematography: , Joe Saade
Screenplay: , Saim Sadiq

Cinema Premiere: February 24, 2023

Reviews by critics from other countries

Foreign Reviews

9 foreign reviews of Joyland (2022)

1. Sydsvenskan

10 / 10

Translated from swedish: Deadly love in a pleasure-filled nightlife
Swedish: sydsvenskan.se »
2. Nöjesguiden

8.3 / 10

Translated from swedish: "Joyland" becomes, with its subdued tone, a very beautiful and thought-provoking portrait that puts focus on an important and timely subject.
Swedish: ng.se »
3. Aftonbladet

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: Gallows humor blends with sadness in the impressive feature film debut "Joyland" by the Pakistani director Saim Sadiq.
Swedish: aftonbladet.se »
4. Göteborgs-Posten

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: The story encapsulates a strong desire to shed light on and question old patriarchal patterns, gender and women's oppression in deeply conservative Pakistan.
Swedish: gp.se »
5. Sveriges Radio

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: Alina Kahn, who portrays the transgender woman Biba in the film, is the first transgender person to have landed a leading role in a major Pakistani film.
Swedish: sverigesradio.se »
6. Uppsala Nya Tidning

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: Prejudiced son falls in love with a transgender person.
Swedish: unt.se »
7. Moviezine

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: "Joyland" is an impressive debut, and it will be exciting to follow Saim Sadiq's further film career.
Swedish: moviezine.se »
8. Kulturbloggen

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: It is a film that makes us aware of invisible rules in our lives and takes us on a journey into a completely different environment than our own. A powerful and deeply touching film about the struggle for the right to be an individual in a limiting patriarchy. A battle that may take time and can only be achieved through small steps at a time.
Swedish: kulturbloggen.com »
9. SVT

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: "Joyland" is likely to become a favorite on the upcoming Best of the Year lists.
Swedish: svt.se »