The Pakistani authorities have pulled off the ban on Saim Sadiq’s Oscar prospect Joyland. This decision have been laid out post the protests and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting review of the film containing ‘highly objectionable material’. Joyland will mark Pakistan’s official entry for the 2023 Academy Awards.
On Wednesday, journalist Rafay Mahmood at the Express Tribune, tweeted, “After the full board review by the censor board, #Joyland has been allowed for release all across Pakistan with minor cuts. Distributors are optimistic for November 18 release as initially planned. Congratulations to the entire team and all those who campaigned.” He further mentioned that the film was not banned on an official note and was in line to receive the NOC certificate.
“#Joyland has been cleared for release across Pakistan. The persistence of so many activists and artists has paid off,” added journalist Ailia Zehra at Naya Daur.