Malala Yousafzai says she always imagined a world where she could support Pakistani artists, content

November 8, 2022 01:24 PM

Pakistan's youngest Nobel Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai—executive producer of the film Joyland said her goal was to bring attention to the stories that are often put aside, to give an opportunity to more voices from different corners of the world, and focus especially on women, people of color, and young artists.

Yousafzai in a recent interview with Variety magazine said: “Starting with Joyland is such a moment of joy, because this is a Pakistani film produced by Pakistani directors, writers and actors, and I’m a Pakistani executive producer. This was such an incredible opportunity for me to begin with this. I always imagined a world where I could support more Pakistani content, more Pakistani artists.”

The activist further added, “The themes that are touched upon in this movie resonate with people all around the world. We hear about family dynamics, we hear about the relationship between parents and children, between husband and wife, between the work that you are expected to do inside your house compared to the role you want to play outside in society. And these are the things that we hear about in every corner of the world.”

Elaborating on the same, Yousafzai divulged, “There are disappointments from parents, there are disappointments in relationships as well. And these are the themes that this movie has touched upon so beautifully. We also hear about identity and how people are trying to understand their own identity and then find a place for it in their home and outside as well, finding that dignity and respect that they deserve.”

Meanwhile, Yousafzai is unequivocal about her support for the film. “This film deserves an Oscar and I’m really proud that it’s been submitted from Pakistan – it deserves all the awards out there. And I hope that more and more people step forward and nominate the film,” says Yousafzai. “I will be doing all that is in my capacity, whether that’s in person or in any other way, to tell everyone that this is an incredible movie, watch it, nominate it, support it.”

Pertinent to note that Pakistan’s Oscars Selection Committee shortlisted Joyland as the country’s submission to the 95th Academy Awards for the ‘International Feature Film Award’ category.

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