Pakistani authorities have prohibited the screening of filmmaker Saim Sadiq’s acclaimed movie “Joyland,” alleging the presence of “highly objectionable material.” Despite being officially selected as Pakistan’s entry for the Oscars and receiving a government certificate for public viewing in August, objections were raised over its content. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting banned the film to avert potential backlash from conservative elements, citing a deviation from the country’s “social values and moral standards” in a notification issued on November 11.

The ministry declared the film uncertified for the entire country and under the jurisdiction of the Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC). The ban disrupted the scheduled theatrical release on November 18.

“Joyland” portrays a patriarchal family eager for the birth of a male heir while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theater and falls for a trans woman. Saim Sadiq wrote and directed the film, featuring an ensemble cast, including Sania Saeed, Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gilani, Rasti Farooq, Salmaan Peerzada, and Sohail Sameer.

The decision to ban the film received support from Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, the sole senator of the hardline Jamaat-e-Islami in the Pakistan Senate, who argued that it was against Islamic principles.

Actor Sarwat Gilani criticized the authorities for succumbing to pressure from “malicious people” running a smear campaign against the film. She emphasized the film’s international success and called for trust in Pakistani viewers to make their own choices. The hashtag #ReleaseJoyland gained traction on social media.

“Joyland” made history as the first Pakistani movie screened at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and Queer Palm award. It was also featured at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival. On Friday, the film received the Asia Pacific Screen Awards’ young cinema award.