Joyland

Introduced by writer and filmmaker Farihah Zaman on July 23.

Dir. Saim Sadiq. Pakistan. 2022, 126 mins. DCP. In Punjabi and Urdu with English subtitles. With Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gilani, Salmaan Peerzada, Sohail Sameer, Sania Saeed. The debut feature from writer-director Sadiq, Joyland explores the many sides of love and desire in a patriarchal society. Gentle and timid, Haider (Junejo) lives with his wife Mumtaz (Farooq), his father, and his elder brother’s family in Lahore, Pakistan. Following a long spell of unemployment, Haider finally lands a job at a Bollywood-style burlesque, telling his family he is a theater manager, when in actuality, he is a backup dancer. The unusual position shakes up the steadfast traditional dynamics of his household and enables Haider to break out of his shell. As he acclimates to the new job, Haider grows infatuated with the show’s headliner, the strong-willed trans woman Biba (Khan)—an unforeseen partnership that opens his eyes and ultimately his worldview, in ways both unexpected and intimate. Winner of the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. An Oscilloscope release.  

Tickets: $15 / $11 senior and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / discounted for MoMI members ($7–$11). Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission. Review safety protocols before your visit.