The jury award for the best film in this category has been given to the Pakistani film ‘Joyland’ at the International Film Festival in Cannes, France. This is Pakistan’s first award at Cannes Film Festival.
Joyland is directed by Saeem Sadiq and produced by Sarmad Khost.
The story of this film is about a family in Lahore where the youngest son of the house, who was expected to take the family forward by having a son, joins a dance theater and falls in love with a transgender girl. .
After the film won the award, Independent Urdu met the producer of the film, Sarmad Khost, and talked about the film.
In his first and exclusive interview, Sarmad Khost said that along with friends, all those who are not associated with this film are also feeling proud that this film won the award. “The film is neither the effort of a single person, nor its success, it is the success of the entire country, we are happy and proud”.
He said that ‘the emotions are very unusual, but they want to put their feet on the ground together.’
Sarmad Khost said that the film ‘Joyland’ is the creation of Saim Sadiq, with whom he has an old relationship, and he had assisted Sarmad during Moor Mahal, so from that time he had a passion for storytelling. He then studied at Columbia, his film ‘Darling’ won an award at the Venice Film Festival, Sarmad was assisted by Saim Sadiq in Zindagi Tamasha.
Sarmad Khost said that ‘Saim Sadiq told me one day that he wanted a producer for ‘Joyland’ in Pakistan, so in the process of finding a producer, he asked me to do it, so I thought that it has been a long time since I produced. So let’s do it, because the script was so beautiful and written from the heart’, so he joined it.
Apart from Khost Films, the film also has Apoorva Gurucharan, who is an Indian American, as a producer, followed by Saim Sadiq as director, Sarmad said.
Joyland is shot in Ahur, Sarmad said that there were some issues with outdoor shooting in some places but no major problems occurred while making the film.
“Since Cannes is the biggest film festival, the simple way to participate is to submit a film, after which they decide whether your film is selected or not,” said Sarmad Khost.
Sarmad said that they had also sent Zindagi Tamasha, but she could not be selected.
“The Cannes Film Festival is a festival of the level, there can be no other series except the film.”
Sarmad Khost said that when his film was shown in Cannes, France, the hall was completely full. After the film, people who didn’t even know our language clapped for more than ten minutes. , and they were all getting very emotional at that time.
Sarmad Khost said that he is very thankful to Allah Ta’ala that his hard work has paid off.
Sarmad said that the subject of the film is such that one should be sensitive to make it.
This section contains related reference points (Related Nodes field).
Sarmad said that one of the characters of Joyland is a transgender girl, now Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world where transgenders have been recognized and their identity cards have been made, while many countries in the world have yet to do so. No progress has been made in this direction. This subject does not require heart, but heart and sensitivity.
He said that ‘if something is kept away or distanced from it, it is easy to call it controversial, the same happened with him in the film Zindag Tamasha. After watching the trailer, it seems that what has been said is not known, but it does not happen.
About the screening of Joy Lane in Pakistan, Sarmad Khost said, “It is a Pakistani film, it is made in Pakistan, it is made with Pakistani actors, it is made in Pakistani language, so it will definitely be shown in Pakistan, now.” It has a world premiere in a way.’
Sarmad said that the Pakistani film industry will benefit a lot from this award because we are limited to a few screens in Pakistan, we can now take it to the global level, new filmmakers will come, the scale of the film will increase and It has opened up a new path.’
A movie ‘Kamli’ directed by Sarmad Khost is releasing on June 3. He said about this that in his opinion there is a need to give such talented people in the Pakistani film world a chance to tell stories in their own style.
At present, Pakistan is working under a formula, which people are tired of. Kamli is a carefully crafted film with a lot of heart, it has all the essentials of a film including music and location, but doesn’t use formulas and tries to tell the story in its own way.’
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**Interview with Sarmad Khost, Producer of “Joyland”**
*Independent Urdu had the pleasure of interviewing Sarmad Khost, the producer of the award-winning film “Joyland,” which captured the Best Film award at the Cannes Film Festival. Below is an excerpt from our enlightening conversation with him.*
**Interviewer:** Sarmad, congratulations on “Joyland’s” historic win at Cannes! How does it feel to have achieved this milestone for Pakistani cinema?
**Sarmad Khost:** Thank you so much! It’s an overwhelming honor. This award isn’t just for the film or its creators; it’s a triumph for our entire country. Everyone, whether involved in “Joyland” or not, is feeling proud today. We are happy and proud to showcase our culture and storytelling.
**Interviewer:** The story of “Joyland” addresses some sensitive themes. Can you share why you think it will resonate with audiences?
**Sarmad Khost:** Absolutely. The film tells the story of a young man in Lahore who falls in love with a transgender girl, which is both unique and timely in our cultural landscape. It’s essential to approach such subjects with sensitivity, and I believe audiences will connect with the human emotions portrayed in the film. It’s not just a story about love; it’s about family, expectations, and accepting one another.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned your long-standing collaboration with Saeem Sadiq. Can you tell us about your journey together on this project?
**Sarmad Khost:** Yes! Saim and I have worked together for years, and he has always had a passion for storytelling. When he approached me about producing “Joyland,” I felt an urge to take this opportunity. The script was beautifully written and resonated with me deeply. I knew it was a project worth investing my time and energy into.
**Interviewer:** What challenges did you face during the film’s production, especially considering its sensitive content?
**Sarmad Khost:** There were certainly some hurdles, primarily with outdoor shooting and logistics, but nothing major. The real challenge was to portray the subject matter cautiously and respectfully. We wanted to shed light on issues often ignored and ensure the representation was done genuinely.
**Interviewer:** The reception at Cannes must have been surreal. Can you share your experience during the screening?
**Sarmad Khost:** It was truly unforgettable. The theater was packed, and after the film, audience members, many of whom didn’t even speak our language, clapped for over ten minutes. Their emotional response was palpable. It reaffirmed for me that storytelling knows no boundaries.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what do you hope audiences take away from “Joyland”?
**Sarmad Khost:** I hope viewers will approach the film with open hearts and minds. It’s a reflection of our society, and it encourages discussions about acceptance, love, and the human experience. In Pakistan, we are slowly recognizing transgender rights, and through “Joyland,” I wish to foster sensitivity and empathy regarding these issues.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sarmad, for sharing your insights with us. We’re excited to see “Joyland” make waves around the world!
**Sarmad Khost:** Thank you for having me! I appreciate all the support for our film.
**Sarmad Khost:** The experience was incredible. The screening was packed, and seeing so many people from different backgrounds respond so emotionally to the film was heartwarming. The applause lasted for more than ten minutes, and it felt as if the audience truly connected with the story. It was a moment of pure joy and validation for all of us who poured our hearts into this project.
**Interviewer:** As “Joyland” gains international recognition, how do you feel this will impact the future of Pakistani cinema?
**Sarmad Khost:** I believe this is a significant turning point. Winning at Cannes places Pakistani cinema on the global map and can inspire both aspiring and established filmmakers. It opens doors for new voices and stories, allowing us to showcase our culture and creativity more broadly. The industry is ready for growth, and I’m excited to see how this victory will encourage fresh talent and diverse narratives.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, do you have any upcoming projects that you’re excited about?
**Sarmad Khost:** Yes! My next film, “Kamli,” is set to release on June 3. This project also emphasizes authentic storytelling, moving away from traditional formulas that have become tiresome. I believe it’s essential to give talented filmmakers the freedom to express their vision, and I’m excited for audiences to see what we’ve created.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sarmad, for sharing your insights and congratulations once again on “Joyland’s” success. We look forward to seeing more impactful stories from you in the future!
**Sarmad Khost:** Thank you for having me! I’m grateful for the support, and I hope “Joyland” continues to make waves and resonate with people around the world.
