by Mehr Jan
I read somewhere art is not for the faint of heart for it explores hidden emotions. It peeks through closed windows and tries to narrate what many wish to keep hush-hush. But creativity means to create; to bring visuals to stories that matter. And where certain efforts are applauded- others are confronted with sharpened pitchforks. Joyland- one of the biggest films in 2023- interestingly faced both. Where it saw public criticism even getting banned for objectionable content in certain cities of Pakistan, at the very same time, it was
honored with a standing ovation at one of the leading international film festivals, winning accolades and awards. And while there are those who have yet to see the film to form their own judgment of its narrative, the makers of Joyland are not deterred for they know their intention was to make a good film which they delivered. Sitting down with cast members Ali Junejo and Rasti Farooq, who were visiting Islamabad for their dark comedy play ‘Both Sit in Silence for a While’, which is also written and directed by Ali, Social Diary gained insights on the dynamics of theatre, film-making and why it’s okay to sometimes face the brunt when creating something beautiful. Excerpts from the interview:
SD: Let’s start off with the film in question- Joyland. Even before you began shooting; even before knowing your castmates, when you went through the script for the first time, did you feel it might be creating issues within Pakistan?
Ali: Not at all. The fact is, it’s a human story with lovely and well-written characters. That’s all there is.
Rasti: When I first read the script, I thought it was a really compelling story. It was moving and I trusted the power of the film and the creators behind it to go with it. I knew they were going to bring it all together in a way that is moving and inspires empathy. It’s not a provocative film at all. I had faith in it.
SD: Did you have faith in Pakistan that they will be accepting towards the film?
Ali: I had faith in the script to tell its story. I had faith in Saim, in our team, and in our complete effort.
SD: But would you agree that the film hurt the religious sentiments of the people?
Ali: I think a film should be taken as an art form and it was not meant to hurt anybody and it is not supposed to. It has nothing to do with the environment of religion or politics. If people somehow misunderstand it, that’s not up for me to say.
SD: Is Joyland supporting the LGBT stance? Is it the main narrative to the film?
Ali: No, the film is a story of a plethora of characters and there is a lovely trans actress in the film. She is an amazing actor and human being and is portraying one of the characters in the film.
Rasti: Like Ali said, there are just so many different characters in the film with different backgrounds and the story relates to them and their stances. I know the story became about other things but that has nothing to do with what our intent was or what we were trying to say. We have also realized that beyond a particular point, we cannot control that. So whoever views the film with whatever preconceived notions they have, we can only hope that when they watch the film, they will be able to understand the heart of it.
SD: The film is shedding light on what a dysfunctional family in Pakistan actually looks like. Do you feel bringing that into transparency might be a reason people are reluctant to watch it?
Rasti: I think it’s part of the reason. People might be worried and the main issue is it’s difficult to own up to what’s wrong in our society. Joyland has so many stories within and so many individuals- it has men, women, transgender, and children- basically, it’s giving a glance at how our society sometimes functions and the kind of expectations that are connected to different roles. This can sometimes lead to suffocation. I know it can be hard to face these concerns or even talk about them, but that’s why we have this film which is doing the same in a beautiful and gentle manner.
SD: Looking into the 60 days of shooting Joyland- comparing how you walked on set the first day and how you walked out on the last, did you feel something changed within you on a personal level?
Ali: Filmmaking in general makes you feel like you’re a part of something big. But in reality, we are just telling the story of one character we are representing. And sometimes that character will resonate with you on so many levels; whose decision-making also reflects on you. This inspires you in some way. And Joyland has taught me to listen more with my heart to myself and to the people around me. It’s a good lesson on empathy.
Rasti: At a film set when all ingredients are right, it brings forth a lovely transformative space. There is passion and creativity around you which leads to good things coming out of your whole experience. Acting allows you to portray different characters and it’s like a fictional world that you build. And sometimes, these characters stay with you.
SD: A huge moment of pride came for Joyland’s team when it was presented at the Cannes Film Festival. Your feelings when you came to know the film has been selected and you will be flying out to represent it?
Ali: It was extremely overwhelming. We had no idea it would get to that point. Our intention was to make a good film with honest intentions and hard work. When we came to know of its selection at Cannes, it was intimidating but it was a celebratory moment. Saim made a conference call to all of us to give the big news and my words were: “You’re joking”.
Rasti: I screamed when I came to know. It was such a surreal experience.
SD: But while it did attain the international claim, did you feel the recognition at the grassroots level should have been given and Pakistan should have been more accepting?
Ali: The film in a big way was always meant to come back to Pakistan. It was made about us, our people. The story is ours so it was always meant to come home. People in Karachi were able to see it and we received lots of positivity, encouragement, and support and it warms our hearts. It really matters when your own people appreciate the effort. That’s all we want. Sure there were problems that have come along the way which shouldn’t have because at the end of the day- it’s just a film.
SD: You guys are theatre actors with a constant love for stage performance. Has it always been a conscious thought to have chosen theatre as your main platform of expression?
Ali: Yes it is. I’ve dwelt in the theatre for a long time. The rehearsal space where the character gets to develop is a stirring experience as you put your heart and soul into the story. The challenge and the thrill is what I really enjoy with theatre. The screen takes a lot from you but the theatre space is a completely different world. I don’t think I have the face or the talent for Television. There are better people than me who can do that. However, shooting the film is something I truly enjoyed and I do intend to explore that medium further.
Raasti: I think from an early age, it was just a natural draw for me when it comes to doing something on stage with a live audience. The thrill of working with good people and the experience of rehearsing and then bringing the final product on stage is divine. I have done short films but yeah, doing a feature film has its own charm and me and Ali talk about how we miss being on sets.
SD: But will you consider working in commercial films too?
Ali: It depends on the script really.
SD: What about dramas? Raasti, would you ever consider venturing into a drama if you are offered a role of a character you resonated with?
Rasti: To be honest, I never thought of it like that really. I actually can’t see myself performing really well in that world. I don’t think I’m suited for that world and I might look really odd. So why not stick to the platform I’m comfortable and good at.
SD: Ali, share with us how the inspiration for the script to ‘Both Sit in Silence for a While’ came to you?
Ali: I really enjoy reading two-hander plays which are focused primarily on two characters because you get a huge canvas to explore and create something. The story of this play came to me as an idea as I explored it further with what-ifs between a couple. It just kept flowing.
Rasti: What amazes me about Ali’s way of writing is it begins with a simple space but it grows into something so grounded and moving at the same time. It’s powerful. I remember him explaining the initial setting and I was amazed at how it progressed and finally concluded.
SD: Do you think filmmaking is a tough art to pursue, given Pakistan’s eco-system and cultural setting?
Ali: I think filmmaking is a tough sport in itself and you do need perseverance. But I also feel there is no substitute and no excuse for hard work. Challenges will present themselves in whatever you pursue but the amount of hard work you put in, with a dash of luck is going to determine the outcome.
Rasti: Within the creative field of various mediums, there are no easy answers and outcomes. Be it reluctant storytelling, lack of infrastructure support, or any shortcomings, you really need to stick to your ground. There are no two ways about it.
SD: Rasti in your case I think it’s even more true since you are spearheading an animation studio ‘Puffball’ which faces its own set of limitations. Where does your inspiration to not call it quits comes from?
Rasti: It comes from a collective mindset we have at our place which keeps the focus on why we need to keep on doing what we are doing. Regardless of what obstacles exist in our film world, when you are pursuing what others aren’t, knowing what are willing to risk, then you just need to keep on going. I know you will be able to make an audience for it and attain that value quotient you are aiming for.
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