A Pakistani film Joyland, nominated for the Oscar 2023, has been banned by Pakistani authorities  because of its "highly objectionable material." The action was taken months after the movie received a certificate approving it for public viewing. Joyland was chosen for the 2023 Oscar, has received positive reviews at film festivals. Even the critics are showering their love on the film.

Pakistani authorities have banned filmmaker Saim Sadiq's critically-acclaimed film Joyland . Objections were recently raised over its contents. It prompted the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to ban the film apparently to avoid a backlash by conservative elements of the country. The authority claims the film is not as per the "social values and moral standards" of Pakistan.

The authority said, "Written complaints were received that the film contains highly objectionable material which does not conform with the social values and moral standards of our society and is clearly repugnant to the norms of ‘decency and morality as laid down in Section 9 of the Motion Picture Ordinance, 1979.” 

It further added, “In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 9(2) (a) of the said Ordinance and after conducting a comprehensive inquiry, the Federal Government declares the feature film titled ‘Joyland’ as an uncertified film for the whole of Pakistan in the cinemas which fall under the jurisdiction of CBFC with immediate effect."

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Actress Sarwat Gilani slammed the Pakistani authorities for caving into pressure. She wrote, "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. Don’t take away this moment of pride and joy from our people! "No one’s forcing anyone to watch it! So don’t force anyone to not watch it either! Pakistani viewers are smart enough to know what they want to watch or not. Let Pakistanis decide! Don’t insult their intelligence and our hard work!" she wrote, using the hashtag #ReleaseJoyland.

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Joyland is written and directed by  Saim Sadiq. It stars Sania Saeed, Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gilani, Rasti Farooq, Salmaan Peerzada, and Sohail Sameer in important roles. It was screened at several film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival.

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