The government of Pakistan has banned Saim Sadiq’s Oscar contender “Joyland”To contain “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. However, the decision has been reversed.
“Written complaints were received that the film contains highly objectionable material which do not conform with the social values and moral standards of our society and is clearly repugnant to the norms of ‘decency and morality’ as laid down in Section 9 of the Motion Picture Ordinance, 1979,”The order states. “Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 9(2) (a) of the said Ordinance and after conducting a comprehensive inquiry, the Federal Government declares the feature film titled ‘Joyland’ as an uncertified film for the whole of Pakistan in the cinemas which fall under the jurisdiction of CBFC with immediate effect.”
“Joyland”Was due to be released in Pakistan on Nov. 18. Variety reached out to Sadiq and the film’s producers who are offering no comment at this time. Expect an official statement soon.
Set in Lahore Pakistan “Joyland”Haider is the youngest son of the patriarchal Rana middle-class family. Haider, the Ranas’ youngest son, joins an erotic dancing troupe to meet a fiercely determined trans starlet. The Ranas’ secrets and desires are revealed in their love story.
The film premiered at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard strand earlier this year and won the jury prize. Malala Yousafzai (Nobel laureate) has been appointed executive producer. It is Pakistan’s entry in the Oscars’ international feature category.
On Friday, it won the Asia Pacific Screen Awards’ young cinema award, given in partnership with critics’ association NETPAC and the Griffith Film School.
Sadiq recently spoke out to Variety About his Oscar candidacy and nerves about bringing the film before Pakistani audiences.