As an executive producer, British-Pakistani actor Riz Ahmed has boarded Joyland, Pakistan’s Oscar-nominated film, together with his production business Left Handed Films. Following social activist Malala Yousafzai, the Oscar-winning actor Riz Ahmed’s production firm has taken social activist Saim Sadiq’s provocative movie under its umbrella as the Oscars approach.
Given that Ahmed’s numerous productions have received nominations, the union might be successful. The Long Goodbye, a highly praised live-action short film that Ahmed co-wrote with Aneil Karia, earned him his first Oscar last year.
Ahmed expressed his excitement about the partnership on Instagram. “We are so proud at Left Handed Films to be a part of Joyland. Our motto is “go left” and Saim Sadiq’s unique film does just that,” the Emmy Award-winning author wrote.
He referred to Sadiq’s approach to filmmaking as “understated and gut-wrenching” and his writing as “consistently unexpected” because each scene in Joyland, in his opinion, is beautifully orchestrated while bursting with unvarnished acting.
“Joyland is one of the best films of the year, and against all odds of resources and marketing budgets, it’s been amazing to see festival juries, audiences, and critics shouting that from the rooftops,” Ahmed said.
In Joyland, a story about the sexual revolution, the youngest son of a patriarchal household is expected to have a boy with his wife. As an alternative, he decides to join an exotic dancing company and develops feelings for the trans woman who runs it.
Joyland, a film by Sadiq, was included on the 95th Academy Awards shortlist last month. The movie is now the first from Pakistan to be chosen for an Oscar in the international feature film category. In September, it was revealed that Pakistan would be sending Joyland, starring Alina Khan, Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq, Sarwat Gilani, Salman Peerzada, and Sania Saeed, to the 95th iteration of the most prestigious film awards.
