Joyland, the critically acclaimed film by Saim Sadiq, is now accessible to stream on all Video-On-Demand (VOD) platforms, thanks to US-based independent distributor Oscilloscope Laboratories. This is a significant step for Pakistani cinema. The announcement regarding the movie’s global release for fans was made by Malala, the executive producer of Joyland, on her Instagram.
Sharing a post from Oscilloscope Laboratories, Malala stated in her Story, “This great film is streaming now.
Joyland can be seen online on Apple TV, Vudu, Prime Video, Google Play, and Xbox, claims the website. On Prime Video Pakistan, the movie isn’t yet available.
Joyland, a Pakistani film, premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival and won the Un Certain Regard category. The film explores the oppressive and patriarchal Amanullah household in Lahore, Pakistan, with characters like Rana Amanullah, Saleem, and Haider. The film’s neo-realist approach captures the intricacies of life, with Haider’s job at a local erotic dance theatre and his attraction to Biba, the transgender star.
Critics overwhelmingly praised Joyland, the first Pakistani film to be nominated for an Oscar in 2023, and it presently has a staggering 97% Fresh approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 62 reviews. Audiences have responded favorably to the movie’s portrayal of gender and sexual mobility in a suppressed patriarchal society. The verdict on the website is as follows: “With stunning honesty that’s painfully bittersweet, Joyland addresses gender and sexual fluidity in a suppressed patriarchal society with wisps of hopefulness.”
