3rd i SFISAFF: Joyland

JOYLAND is a visually gorgeous and subversive family drama set in the bustling megacity of Lahore, Pakistan. Pressured to earn his own salary, soft-spoken house husband Haider is hired to perform in an erotic dance show. He’s attracted to the lead performer, an irrepressible trans woman named Alina Khan, and their relationship takes unpredictable turns.

This striking feature upends traditional gender roles and identities through a story of complex and imperfect expressions of love. JOYLAND is funny and deeply poignant, and written with such sensitivity by director Saim Sadiq that it leaves you thinking about the invisibility of desire long after you’ve left the theater. Celebrate this startling and groundbreaking film at the Festival!

Presented as part of 3rd I Film Festival.