This film is currently unavailable
Joyland
A conservative family in Pakistan is torn apart when a son falls in love with a transgender erotic dancer, in Saim Sadiq’s riveting queer drama.
Director: Saim Sadiq
Overview
Haider (Ali Junejo) is an unemployed married man living in Lahore. Pressured by his fiercely patriarchal father into finding work, he takes a job in an erotic dance theatre, where he encounters Biba (Alina Khan), a dazzling transgender performer. Sadiq’s drama skilfully details the corrosive nature of patriarchy in all aspects of traditional family life, from sons, daughters and wives, and the roles they are expected to play. The result is a distinctive and vibrant visual feast and a deeply moving drama of gender expectations and taboos.
Joyland was the Pakistani entry for Best International Feature Film at the 2023 Academy Awards, and winner at both Cannes and the BFI London Film Festival.
very strong language, strong sex, discrimination, suicide
Related
Downfall Downfall
Historical drama 2004 155 mins Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Bruno Ganz is extraordinary as Adolf Hitler, living out his final days during the fall of Berlin in Oliver Hirschbiegel's acclaimed drama.
Palindromes Palindromes
Comedy 2004 100 mins Director: Todd Solondz
Todd Solondz’s casting of eight different actors of varying ages, genders and races to play the lead role of Aviva, makes for a truly original film.
Distant Journey Distant Journey
Drama 1949 98 mins Director: Alfréd Radok
Blending documentary and fiction, Alfréd Radok's remarkable film chronicling the Terezin ghetto was one of the first films to address the Holocaust.
Dreamers Dreamers
Drama 2025 79 mins Director: Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor
Two Nigerian migrants dare to imagine a vibrant future outside of their confinement at a British immigration removal centre.
Amélie Amélie
Drama 2001 117 mins Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Audrey Tatou plays the shy waitress whose altruism leads to love, in Jean-Pierre Jeunet's BAFTA-winning hit romance.
The Exterminating Angel The Exterminating Angel
Drama 1962 93 mins Director: Luis Buñuel
Buñuel’s surreal, darkly satirical masterpiece about a group of wealthy dinner guests finding themselves inexplicably unable to leave the room.
Girls Girls Girls Girls Girls Girls
Romance 2021 101 mins Director: Alli Haapasalo
Three young women explore love and sex in this spirited coming-of-age drama, which won the World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award at Sundance 2022.
Silent Love Silent Love
Documentary 2022 72 mins Director: Marek Kozakiewicz
Marek Kozakiewicz’s intimate documentary debut follows Aga, who moves back home to Poland to care for her brother whilst hiding her relationship from the authorities.
Blue Jean Blue Jean
Drama 2022 97 mins Director: Georgia Oakley
A closeted PE teacher reckons with her identity during Thatcherite Britain in Georgia Oakley’s delicate yet gripping BAFTA-nominated debut.
Justine Justine
Drama 2021 82 mins Director: Jamie Patterson
A young woman struggles with her demons, in this arresting sophomore feature from Tucked (Flare 2019) director Jamie Patterson.
Pretty Red Dress Pretty Red Dress
Drama 2022 110 mins Director: Dionne Edwards
One dress changes everything for a family in Dionne Edwards’ brilliant debut. Defiant, uplifting and with music at its core.
Loving Highsmith Loving Highsmith
Documentary 2022 87 mins Director: Eva Vitija
A beautifully textured study revealing the rich and troubled private life of the writer behind Carol.
The Rules of Attraction The Rules of Attraction
Comedy 2002 111 mins Director: Roger Avary
Exuberant adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis novel, about a group of beautiful, wealthy and self-absorbed students tearing it up at college.
Downfall Downfall
Historical drama 2004 155 mins Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Bruno Ganz is extraordinary as Adolf Hitler, living out his final days during the fall of Berlin in Oliver Hirschbiegel's acclaimed drama.
Palindromes Palindromes
Comedy 2004 100 mins Director: Todd Solondz
Todd Solondz’s casting of eight different actors of varying ages, genders and races to play the lead role of Aviva, makes for a truly original film.
Distant Journey Distant Journey
Drama 1949 98 mins Director: Alfréd Radok
Blending documentary and fiction, Alfréd Radok's remarkable film chronicling the Terezin ghetto was one of the first films to address the Holocaust.
Dreamers Dreamers
Drama 2025 79 mins Director: Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor
Two Nigerian migrants dare to imagine a vibrant future outside of their confinement at a British immigration removal centre.
Amélie Amélie
Drama 2001 117 mins Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Audrey Tatou plays the shy waitress whose altruism leads to love, in Jean-Pierre Jeunet's BAFTA-winning hit romance.