Pakistan bans its Oscar entry 'Joyland' over 'highly objectionable material'

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has said that the film does not conform with the country's "social values and moral standards"

Pakistani authorities have banned filmmaker Saim Sadiq's critically-acclaimed film Joyland alleging that it contains "highly objectionable material", months after a certificate was issued clearing the movie for public viewing.

Joyland, which is also Pakistan's official Oscar entry, was granted the certificate by the government on August 17. However, 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.

In its notification of November 11, the ministry said the film does not conform with the country's "social values and moral standards".

"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,” the minister said in the notification.

Sadiq’s directorial debut film will compete for a spot in the final five of the best international feature category at the 2023 Academy Awards.

In its order, the ministry banned the movie's screening in the country. The film was scheduled for theatrical release in Pakistan on November 18.

"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," the order read.