Pakistan’s official entry to the Oscars 2023, Joyland, has been banned in Pakistan despite being certified by all three censor boards in Pakistan back in August of this year. As per director Saim Sadiq’s previous statements, the film was always meant to be screened in Pakistan but the global recognition the film has gotten is the cherry on top. It’s unfortunate that the film has met with a hiccup in the country that it was made for.
According to the notice by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the film contains “highly objectionable material which do not conform with the social and moral standards of our society…”
Joyland has been receiving an overwhelming amount of love globally, it not only got a standing ovation at Cannes but also won a Jury Award at the festival. Its trailer garnered countless praises from Pakistanis. The direction, cinematography, storyline, and overall feel of the film look top-notch. When the news of the film getting banned hit social media, netizens were divided. Some lauded the decision while others are frustrated beyond measure. Scroll down to take a look.
Netizens Against The Ban
“The censorship of Joyland is senseless. Pakistan is teeming with artists, filmmakers, writers and has a cultural richness and more importantly bravery that the world admires. A smart state would celebrate & promote this not silence and threaten it”
“Pakistanis want to see a great Pakistani film. After winning awards everywhere around the world – Joyland comes home – let it!”
“Joyland has made Pakistan proud by becoming the first South Asian film to win the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. It is a story of our people told by our people for our people. Hoping for it to be made accessible to these very people #ReleaseJoyland“
“Ban filthy extremism. Ban terrorists. Ban hate. Ban killing. Ban domestic abuse. Ban rape. Ban Child Sexual Abuse. Never heard you want to ban those. Oh and btw #ReleaseJoyland“
“This is Alina Khan, the beautiful Biba from Joyland. This is her struggle. This is what happens when you’re intentionally blind to the miseries of the trans community. This is what happens when you dehumanize a trans person. It’s time we break this cruel cycle”
“I’m lucky to have seen #Joyland. It’s a beautiful story of a boy falling in love, finding himself, and facing heartbreak. Yes, it has a trans person playing an important role. But it’s not about her, it’s about him: just another boy. #ReleaseJoyland and enjoy it yourself.”
“Almost 100% of the people who are campaigning against Joyland haven’t even seen the film. How does this even make sense?”
Netizens Supporting The Ban
“Imagine a world where getting an oscar supercedes your religious and moral values. Do not promote homosexuality. It is a sin and it will stay a sin.”
“Oscar is not tht worthy tht v destroy our islamic, cultural n societal values for it.. it was rewarded only bcz of its LGBTQ representation nt ncz its some masterpiece.. make movies like parasite n we will see how many awards u will get thn.. bt for joyland.. its a big no..”
“#BanJoyland as its a movie consisting on the concept of LGBTQ+. Unfortunately its produced by Pakistan’s producer Sarmad Khosat and its going to release in Pakistan after approval from censor boards. We protest and demand ban on its anti Islam and Pakistan.”
“No more filth in our islamic society. We will not tolerate any LGBTQ in our society. These hypocrites are spreading this filth in name of intersex which are normally known as transgenders.”
Nobody in Pakistan has watched the film yet, they do not know what the content is about and yet, people are having a debate on whether or not to release it. Wouldn’t it be better to ask for a ban after the film releases and the masses see what the film actually is about? How can you ban something which hasn’t even been released yet? We had these questions in mind, tell us your take on this.
