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It’s art, not activism or a call to action, says Malala about film Joyland

It’s art, not activism or a call to action, says Malala about film Joyland

The Nobel laureate said the movie, of which she is an executive producer, is a mirror for Pakistani people who prefer fantasy over reality.
17 Nov, 2022

The ban on film Joyland may be getting reversed but it is important to understand why the ban was uncalled for in the first place. In her piece for Variety, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai talks about how the film is a piece of art, not an argument for or against something. It is a love letter to Pakistan, a mirror for Pakistani people discussing the yearning for freedom and the damage the patriarchy causes, among other things.

Joyland is not activism posing as art,” she wrote. “It doesn’t argue for a particular point of view or issue a call to action. The film treats each character with compassion, from the ageing grandfather imposing his will on his family to the young wife who wants more than the men around her are willing to give.” She described it as a film that is about the ways in which patriarchy hurts everyone — men, women and children. Shedding light on underrated things like “the healing powers of female friendship and solidarity”, the film also weighs the cost of prioritising people’s opinions over one’s dreams.

She talked about how the movie celebrates Pakistani culture — its food, fashion and most of all, its people. In an ironic turn of events, it is being branded as something immoral that “portrays a negative image of our country”. In reality, the film is reflective of the Pakistani people, their desire for freedom and fulfilment and their way of finding joy in the little things every day.

The education activist said we expect art to serve as a means for public relations — we use it to rectify the negative image that the world has us of us. The content that flies in Pakistan is “stories that cast ourselves as unequivocal heroes” which reduces the storyline to men as saviours who defeat their enemies and women as sappy lovers who don’t care about much else. “A numbness sets in as we collectively decide we would rather believe the fantasy than look in the mirror,” wrote Malala. She said instead, we deny stories like Joyland which uplift marginalised communities and break free of “rigid social norms”, refusing to look in the mirror.

Not only does the ban bury Pakistani talent alive, it also limits Muslim representation. Twenty-five per cent of the world’s population is Muslim but only one per cent is shown in popular TV series. That too is a negative representation, often equated with terrorism. “Audiences must also be open to the truth when our filmmakers reveal it,” said Malala, asking Pakistan to give Joyland a chance and let it in.

Joyland was banned from a cinematic screening in Pakistan a few days back. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting canceled its exhibition license which was issued months ago after receiving complaints that “the film contains highly objectionable material which do not conform with the social values and moral standards of our society”. This resulted in backlash by the cast and crew, celebrities and netizens alike.

In response, PM Shehbaz Sharif formed a special committee to evaluate complaints filed against Joyland. On Wednesday, the government decided to clear the movie after a second review. Despite the clearance, on Thursday, the Punjab government backtracked and announced that it is banning it again in Punjab.

Joyland has the distinction of being Pakistan’s first Cannes entry, bagging several awards at international film festivals and being chosen as Pakistan’s Oscar consideration nominee.

Comments

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Nov 17, 2022 05:57pm
Joke of the century.
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tbn Nov 17, 2022 06:03pm
Damage the patriarchy causes, coming from a girl who has her father as her representative on every occasion regardless of his need to be there in the first place.
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Alih Kazmi Nov 17, 2022 06:21pm
You are paying a very high price for that Nobel prize.
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Ten Jee Nov 17, 2022 06:32pm
A complete and utter whitewashing. This film is not representative of the culture, nor of Muslims. And art is activism ... these people switch their tune when it suits them. They on the one hand advocate art as a way of changing peoples hearts and minds, but when there is push back they cry "It's only art". "Talent" that seems to only produce subversive 'art' we can do without.
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NYS Nov 17, 2022 06:42pm
Executive producer !!!! No need such long description
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Ajmal Nov 17, 2022 07:10pm
Malala has sold herself out. She has no respect for our religion, culture, custom or country. She is enjoying her riches in the West at our cost
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Pandu Nov 17, 2022 07:17pm
Nobel committee should take back this one’s prize that was handed to her by mistake and politics
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Faraz-Canada Nov 17, 2022 07:44pm
Keep your Nobel and your opinions
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Shaun Nov 17, 2022 07:49pm
Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, what is and was her achievement to receive a Nobel Laureate?
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IRFAN Nov 17, 2022 08:07pm
Malala please concentrate on your studies. Give your opinions when you have matured.
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Truth be told Nov 17, 2022 08:13pm
Malala please don't get involved. You don't understand.
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FA Nov 17, 2022 08:49pm
@Ten Jee it’s activism only the sense that it helps us have empathy for all people, not in the sense that it’s asking us do to what we see on screen. The film isn’t meant to be representative of all Muslims either — just the characters involved. Numbers wise, the trans community is small so obviously nobody would think it’s representative of anything other than itself.
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Truth is bitter Nov 17, 2022 08:50pm
Coconut
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Asif Nov 17, 2022 09:29pm
Agreed. Now watch another movie.
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Fawaz Nov 17, 2022 09:48pm
Yes, Malala should focus on the actual’real’ culture of Pak does child sexual abuse and wife beatings and promoting terrorism qualify as ‘real’ Pakistani culture?
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Anonymouseee Nov 17, 2022 10:43pm
Malala is the same girl that said there’s no harm in couples living together without getting married. She’s such an embarrassment.
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Bunny Nov 17, 2022 10:48pm
@Anonymouseee what about her proposed school in her home town ?
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Babar Nov 18, 2022 01:49am
Why media is keeping her active in news, intentions of malala and media are becoming clearer with every passing day
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Henchi Nov 18, 2022 02:36am
How lucky Malala is to be rescued at an early age and educated in the west and now she's forgotten about the mind set of her oppressed people in Pakistan.
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Ibrahim S Nov 18, 2022 02:55am
@Truth be told - Do you understand?
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Laughing Nov 18, 2022 04:37am
@Fawaz Yes.
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Ali Nov 18, 2022 09:21am
Thanks, Malala! Film looks amazing!
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Sharjeel Syed Nov 18, 2022 09:42am
She is talking about fantasy who herself is created out of script.
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Azaad Nov 18, 2022 10:51am
Sorry to hear that. The film is now diminished.
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Chawnti Nov 18, 2022 12:48pm
Says the one who agrees with cohabitation keep your ideas to yourself.
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Hyra Nov 18, 2022 01:01pm
Poisonous movie for our culture and general understanding level of our masses.
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Anon Nov 18, 2022 01:09pm
Of course she did
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Alisha Nov 18, 2022 01:19pm
West will always award movies that show east in stereotypical bad light, show taboo content or something that is outlated. They never award movies that show west in poor light or their weakness
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