Asia Society at the Movies: Joyland

Asia Society Southern California is thrilled to be partnering with the Pakistan Arts Council Los Angeles to co-host a special screening of Joyland, followed by a Q&A.

Joyland was named "Best International Film" at the 38th Independent Spirit Awards, is the first Pakistani film to be shortlisted for "Best International Feature" at the Oscars, and was the first Pakistani film to premiere at Cannes International Film Festival.

Doors Open: 1:00 p.m.
Film Screening: 1:30 p.m.
Q&A: 3:50 p.m.

Synopsis:
The debut feature from writer-director Saim Sadiq, Joyland explores the many sides of love and desire in a patriarchal society. Gentle and timid, Haider (Ali Junejo) lives with his wife Mumtaz (Rasti 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 becomes infatuated with the strong-willed trans woman Biba (Alina Khan) who runs the show—an unforeseen partnership that opens his eyes and ultimately his worldview, in ways both unexpected and intimate.

Director: Saim Sadiq

Genre: Drama

Run Time: 127 Minutes

Language: Urdu, Punjabi

In Partnership with:

Pakistan Arts Council Los Angeles was formed in 1991 to promote the arts and culture of Pakistan by organizing exhibitions, book talks, lectures, plays, visits to museums, public concerts and other cultural events. The aim is to further cultural awareness and understanding through the arts. The USC Pacific Asia Museum is one of only four institutions in the US dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and Pacific Islands. Learn about Pakistan’s rich culture through movie screenings, music concerts, performing arts, exhibitions, festivals, and workshops in collaboration with USC Pacific Asia Museum, Grand Performances, and the Muckentaler Center.

Promotional Support by: