“An aching consideration of gender and sexuality.”
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter

“Brims with physical and emotional energy.”
—Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire

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.

Winner of the 2023 Independent Spirit Award for Best International Feature, the 2023 Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and the Queer Palm at Cannes, and many other awards. One of the best new international features of the year.