Pakistan bans Joyland, film about trans love affair, putting its Oscar status in doubt

The government of Pakistan has overruled its owncensor board and reverseda decision that allowed the filmJoyland to be seen in the country's theatres, a move thatcould doom its Oscar chances.

When Joylandpremiered at Cannes in May, it made history as the first official entry from Pakistan to be invited into the prestigious festival.

The film by director Saim Sadiq finds a man in an arranged marriage drawn into a relationship with a transgender dancer.Joyland traces the ripple affects of the affair on the man's life as he lives with generations of his family in a small apartment.

Although the film's subject matter isseen as a taboo topicby some Pakistanis, Joylandhas become a hit at festivals,enjoying standing ovations and strong reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and others on the circuit.

All films shown in Pakistanmust be cleared by regional and national censor boards.In late September, Joyland wasselected as Pakistan's official Oscar entry and cleared by the country's censor board to be shown in theatres at home.

Now the government has reversed thatdecision, effectively banningthe film from theatres.

Last week,Pakistan'sMinistry of Information and Broadcasting released a statement saying it had received complaints that the film "contains highly objectionable material which do not conform with the social values and moral standards of our society."

Director to challenge decision

Director Saim Sadiqdescribed the reversal as "unconstitutional and illegal," and says he plans to challenge the decision.

The conditions of Oscar eligibility state the film must be shown in itshome country for at least a week before Nov.30. Although for the International Feature Film category, the Academydoes allow some movies to qualify while being exhibited outside the country of origin.

Sarwat Gilani, one of the actors inthe film shared a tweet saying it was "shameful that a Pakistani film made by 200 Pakistanis over 6 years that got standing ovations from Toronto to Cairo to Cannes is being hindered in its own country."

The Pakistani Film Producers Association says it is also negotiating with the censor board and hoping for a resolution.

Earlier this year at TIFF,Sadiqsaid Pakistanis had embracedthe film's success and were encouraged to see their country in the news forpositive reasons.

Joyland was originally set to bereleased in Pakistan on Nov. 18, to coincide with Transgender Awareness Week.