Malala Yousafzai Boards Social Revolutionary Queer Drama Joyland

Pakistani women’s rights activist, Malala Yousafzai, joins Pakistan’s Oscar submission Joyland as an executive producer.

Born in Mingora, Pakistan on July 12, 1997, Yousafzai was born into a sexist society that preferred boys over girls. Nevertheless, her father welcomed her with open arms and vowed to give her the same educational opportunities given to boys. However, when the Taliban invaded her town, they forced girls to stop going to school. As a result, the Taliban’s suppression inspired 15-year-old Malala to publicly advocate for girls’ rights to an education.

Unfortunately, the Taliban retaliated by sending a masked gunman who shot Malala on the left side of her head. This travesty attracted worldwide attention for her bravery and courage to stand up against the Taliban’s reign.

An unafraid Malala continued her fight toward equality, using her newly-found platform to impact legislative and societal changes. In 2014, she became the youngest Noble Peace Prize winner for her bravery and inspiring story.

Malala continues her legacy of activism by becoming an executive producer for the groundbreaking film, Joyland. In addition, she is in charge of her own company, Extracurricular Productions, making her an excellent addition to the film’s production.

Joyland presents similar themes to the life Malala knew in Pakistan. A patriarchal family awaits the birth of a baby boy, while the youngest boy, Haider, discovers a new life of his own. After secretly joining an erotic dance club, Haider falls for a fierce trans-starlet. Eventually, their forbidden love ignites the family’s desire for a sexual rebellion.

According to Variety, Malala proudly proclaims “I am incredibly proud to support a film that proves Pakistani artists are among the best in global cinema. Joyland invites us to open our eyes to the people closest to us — to see our family members and friends as they are, not colored by our expectations or societal bias.” 

Movies containing themes of gender and sexual identity remain taboo in traditional Pakistani society. In an interview with the Cannes Festival director, Saim Sadiq, he reminisced on his tough casting journey. Although many actors auditioned, few were comfortable with the taboo nature of the script. Sadiq asserts he does not believe in Joyland because it will change the world, but because people will be moved after seeing it. The film pushed forward with a talented cast made up of Rasti Faroq, Sarwat Gilani, Alina Khan, Ali Junejo, Sania Saeed, and many more.

Although the film won’t premiere in Pakistan until November 18, it has already drawn critical acclaim. As Pakistan’s first entry, it won the Cannes Festival’s UN Certain Regard strand. It is currently competing for the Sutherland Award at BFI London Film Festival. The film is expected to be crowned as one of the best films of the year by its Pakistan premiere.

Malala’s involvement in such an innovative film further proves her dedication to activism. Hopefully, it will inspire societal acceptance of both traditional and non-traditional lifestyles. Joyland‘s teaser was recently released, showcasing snippets of the film’s breathtaking cinematography and soundtrack. The upcoming film’s teaser can be viewed down below.