Cannes 2022: In a first, Pakistan’s trans drama Joyland wins Un Certain Regard jury prize

Joyland, a Pakistani film directed by Saim Sadiq has made history at the Cannes Film Festival. The film which is a transgender love story has won the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard category that spotlights new directors and films revolving around the marginalised. This is reportedly the first time a film from the subcontinent has won the award.

Winners of the Un Certain Regard category have been announced ahead of the festival’s main jury awards. And Joyland has emerged as the winner of the Jury Prize which is one of the top honours at the gala. The film also received a standing ovation at its Cannes premiere. Joyland is Saim Sadiq’s debut directorial. The Urdu language film revolves around a family in Lahore where the disabled patriarch wishes his sons to bring grandsons into the family. However, his youngest son Haider falls in love with a transgender woman while working as a background dancer.

Joyland features Rasti Farooq, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gilani, Salmaan Peerzada, Ali Junejo, Sania Saeed, and Sohail Sameer among others. The film also won the Queer Palm award as the trans character in the film is played by trans actress Alina Khan. Meanwhile, the top award in the Un Certain Regard category went to the French-language film The Worst Ones.

As the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival which kickstarted on May 17 this year comes to a close, the winners of the main awards will soon be announced. The film event this year also had an impressive showing from India which is the country of honour.