Variety has named Saim Sadiq as one of ten directors to watch in 2023 for Joyland, his Cannes-winning film, and the filmmaker has shared the good news on his Instagram.
Taking to Instagram, Saim shared screenshots of Peter Debruge’s article, which features a diverse group of “up-and-coming directors whose films, all first or second narrative features, distinguished themselves earlier this year on the festival circuit or are set to premiere in 2023.”
According to the article, these directors will be profiled in the new year’s first print edition, as well as honoured at an event on January 6 at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which resumes in-person screenings, panels, and parties in early January after the Covid-19 pandemic impacted two editions.
Saim said about his accomplishment: Some good news from Variety today as we continue the fight to get #joyland to release in Punjab! Release Joyland.
Moreover, Saim has since received congratulations from colleagues in the entertainment industry. “I’m watching you,” rapper Ali Gul Pir said. “So proud of you,” Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy wrote. “Truly well-deserved, Saim,” said director Mehreen Jabbar. Natasha Noorani praised him as a “hero,” and Pasoori hitmaker Ali Sethi used a fire emoji.
Saim was also featured in TIME last week for a piece about Pakistan’s “ban” on Joyland. The film’s title reads, “The Filmmaker Behind Pakistan’s First Cannes Entry Stands by Joyland’s Trans Love Story – Even if His Government Doesn’t.” “We’re so happily buried under the insanely loving and generous messages and reviews from everyone in Sindh and Islamabad, Pindi for Joyland!” wrote Saim on Instagram. But I believe it is past time to release Joyland in Punjab!”
Meanwhile, Malik Taimoor Masood, Punjab’s Provincial Sports and Cultural Minister, rejected a request to release Joyland in the province on November 21. He stated that the film’s theme and subject are “controversial” and that such a subject is “unacceptable in our society.” Taimoor also claimed that the release of Joyland could cause social unrest, so it should not be shown.