The film “Joyland” has been garnering positive feedback for placing trans people front and centre for the first time ever, and it was the first-ever Pakistani film to receive a seven-minute ovation at the Cannes film festival. The film won a Jury prize as well in the ‘Uncertain Regard’ section at the festival.

The film by Saim Sadiq is said to be a treat to watch and will be shown in Pakistani cinemas by the end of this year. The film was widely appreciated at the international level due to its unique storyline and taking up issues considered taboo.**

The feature film is set in Lahore around a patriarchal family that thinks male children are superior to females. The plot revolves a member of the family and the feelings he develops for Biba, a transgender person, disrupting their otherwise regular lives.

It stars well-known Pakistani actors like Alina Khan, Ali Junejo, Sarwat Gilani, Sania Saeed, and others.

Director Sadiq appeared in a live interview session and broke the news of the film’s release in Pakistan soon.

“We’re just trying to ensure that we find a nice weekend where we can play and people can come and watch. And of course, it can play for as long as people want to watch it. We’ll release nationwide InshaAllah this winter but we’ll hear more confirmations, post a trailer, and stuff. We’ll start rolling in at the right time. Soon,” Sadiq said.

The annoucement was also made on the team’s official Instagram account. “Joyland will be released in Pakistan this winter. The film was originally meant for this country, it just happened to get screened at the Cannes film festival. The team will roll out the posters and trailer at the right time,” said the post.

After the Canne Film festival, the movie was screened in Sydney, Australia, and is on its way to the Toronto Film Festival this September between the 8th and the 18th.

Another movie that will be making its world debut at the Toronto Film festival is Sajal Aly’s ‘What’s love got to do with it’ written and produced by Jemimah Goldsmith.