Imagine someone banning their own official entry for the Oscars. We are talking about the Pakistani film 'Joyland', which has been banned by the Pakistan government on the grounds that the film militates against the "social values and moral standards" of Pakistani society.
Banning the film, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that the film contains highly objectionable material. The film is clearly repugnant to the norms of decency and morality of Pakistan, it added.
The film tells the love story between a man and a transgender woman.
Commenting on the ban, stand-up comic Varun Grover wrote, "Joyland is one of the best films I have seen in recent years. Takes you into a world of pain and joy so palpable you could hug it! A shame that it's facing mob censorship in Pakistan, the country that should be celebrating this massive cinematic achievement."
