Latest news with #Joyland
Express Tribune
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Sarwat won't be a damsel in distress
Known for her measured choices and commanding screen presence, Sarwat Gilani has consistently stood out for the quality of projects she chooses to associate with. Whether it's television dramas like Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu and Dil-e-Muztar, or more recent and groundbreaking ventures like Churails and Joyland, Gilani's body of work reflects both intention and insight. She brings not only talent but also a discerning understanding of how stories shape the cultural fabric around us. Recently Gilani appeared on the Talha Ahad Podcast in an episode titled What's Really Wrong With Pakistan's Entertainment Industry? where she addressed chronic industry issues. With a degree in graphic design from the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Gilani's creative journey extends beyond acting. Reflecting on her early career, she shared "I graduated from Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture and I worked as a designer for six months after graduation. I was pretty miserable there because I wasn't allowed to think outside the box, I had to only stick to what they wanted us to make." Gilani later left the field and tried her hand in acting in a television commercial. "I felt free during it. It was a nice experience and I just held onto it after that." Choosing her projects Gilani's screen presence since her first TV drama has spanned about seventeen years, although she has been out of business for the past seven years. Reflecting on this, she said, "I feel for the girls when I read a story. I always want to pick narratives that feature female empowerment, break gender stereotypes and show you how to fight for what's rightfully yours." She added, "The kind of dramas that were being created in Pakistan while I worked were very regressive. I was sick of looking at the damsel in distress on screen." The actor chose to dodge plenty of opportunities in search of quality of scripts, "I always need to strongly connect with the script and tell newer and more uplifting stories. Because of this I started rejecting roles that came my way and eventually people stopped offering." Upon her departure from acting, Gilani clarified that she was content with the direction her life took, "I was okay with not getting offers anymore. I moved on from acting and got involved in activism and philanthropy instead. I became part of a non-profit that ran Olympics for special children every year and it was very fulfilling. I have always wanted to stay grounded this way and acting was only a business at that point." Gilani recalled what it was like to choose scripts that she enjoyed "With luck if I even received a script like Churails, it would get heavily censored and the team would need to hide face. It was either this fight for our safety and free will or playing someone I didn't relate to. Eventually I left acting altogether. They could find ten other lead actresses that could play the repressed house wife. I didn't feel like I was needed anymore." Standing up for her work Churails released as a web series in 2020 under the Indian platform Zee. Knowing the Pakistani censor board will never air it, she recalled, "We already knew it would get us in trouble and we didn't care. The story of female vigilantes drinking alcohol and holding guns in Karachi had never been told before. Of course I wanted to be a part of it." This wasn't the only time Gilani had partaken in a risky project, "When Joyland was released in 2022, we were again well aware that it might create problems. It's like, Churails prepared us for what it feels like to get banned in Pakistan." she joked. "Joyland told the story of gender fluidity, desire and acceptance. It was new and well made. Due to this, it was screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Not only was it screened, it also won awards. That's a huge deal!" Commenting on industry support over her exploratory projects, Gilani shared, "There is a lot of politics in our industry for sure. You follow a trend and become part of a clique to get jobs. Due to this, projects like Joyland and Churails didn't receive a single praise from within the industry. Which is quite sad because it was so critically acclaimed worldwide." According to her, "I've learned that no one in industry really stands with you while you are going through something difficult. They don't want to ruin their own image. Joyland and Churails getting banned in Pakistan was tough for me and it made me realize that I cannot rely on anyone." She didn't shy away from calling out fellow actors either, "It's kind of hypocritical. The actresses that call themselves feminists and claim to support Aurat March will not hesitate while choosing a regressive and backwards script. If you are truly a feminist, you wouldn't be okay with playing such a demeaning role. Their activism is very performative." Her liberal arts background has rendered her to understand systemic issues in the industry, "Even while working in advertising, it had the same problem. If you want to sell soap, put a woman there, if you want to sell milk, make a woman stand next to it. It's exhausting and we have more to offer."
Zawya
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Flipped jumps to new heights with UAE franchising expansion
Dubai, UAE: Flipped – the region's fastest-growing recreational amusement company – is entering an exciting new chapter as it expands through franchising. Since launching in the UAE two years ago, Flipped has transformed entertainment with its unique mix of trampoline parks, adventure zones, role-play areas, science museums and soft play spaces. Now, the brand invites investors and entrepreneurs to join its journey. As part of Joyland, one of the region's largest recreational entertainment companies operating since 1980 in Pakistan, Flipped benefits from over four decades of industry expertise. Joyland has consistently shaped the amusement landscape, providing high-energy, innovative experiences to millions of visitors. "With Flipped, we've created an entertainment destination that people genuinely love – a brand that resonates with families, adventure seekers, and thrill enthusiasts alike. Our franchise expansion marks the next phase of our growth, allowing partners to join us in delivering unforgettable experiences,' said Inam Abdullah, Chief Operating Officer of Joyland. Flipped prides itself on high-engagement customer experiences. Its birthday parties are immersive and extraordinary, combining performing arts, themed environments, creative play, and interactive zones that make Flipped the top birthday destination in town. It's known for offering a variety of high engagement activities including slime-making stations, dance-offs, character appearances, mascot interactions, and other hands-on entertainment that kids and families love. What makes Flipped different is its dedication to creativity, innovation, and experiential play. Its attractions are not about passive entertainment — they're designed to spark imagination and encourage active participation; be it its immersive Haunted House experiences, Paint Splash — an upcoming creative arts activity or the Animal Experience Zoo — a hands-on, ethical animal encounter. With Flipped's specially trained team and unique programming, each visit is curated to leave lasting memories. Flipped has made a strong impression across the UAE. In just a year, it has opened four locations in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, with a fifth venue set to launch in Abu Dhabi this September. The brand brings footfall — its attractions serve as anchor destinations that drive traffic and enhance the value of surrounding areas. Through strong customer engagement, premium activities, and memorable moments, Flipped adds value wherever it goes. Its in-house manufacturing and design innovation team allows it to continuously revamp concepts, scale creativity, and customise experiences to suit each audience and location. By partnering with Flipped, franchisees gain access to Joyland's manufacturing strength, established systems, and brand equity — with end-to-end execution designed to ensure every location meets the highest standards. The franchise model offers multiple categories tailored to different customer groups. Flipped and Flipped Super offer dynamic, adrenaline-charged attractions for older children and teens. Flipped Kids caters to younger audiences with safe, imaginative spaces, while tech-driven activities and thrill zones like the Haunted Hotel and Smash Room keep older guests engaged. With expansion plans underway in Ajman, Sharjah, Al Ain, and Abu Dhabi, Flipped is scaling rapidly — driven by a legacy of innovation, a commitment to active play, and a proven ability to draw footfall. About Flipped Flipped is the region's fastest-growing recreational amusement company and has become the go-to destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. Since its launch two years ago, Flipped has expanded across key locations, including Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, offering a dynamic mix of trampoline parks, adventure zones, role-play areas, and soft play spaces. With its diverse attractions and commitment to immersive entertainment, Flipped is redefining leisure experiences across the UAE.
Express Tribune
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
I stopped taking scripts I didn't believe in: Sarwat Gilani
Known for her measured choices and commanding screen presence, Sarwat Gilani has consistently stood out for the quality of projects she chooses to associate with. Whether it's television dramas like Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu and Dil-e-Muztar, or more recent and groundbreaking ventures like Churails and Joyland, Gilani's body of work reflects both intention and insight. She brings not only talent but also a discerning understanding of how stories shape the cultural fabric around us. Recently Gilani appeared on the Talha Ahad Podcast in an episode titled, "What's Really Wrong With Pakistan's Entertainment Industry?" where she addressed chronic industry issues. With a degree in graphic design from the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Gilani's creative journey extends beyond acting. Reflecting on her early career, she shared, "I graduated from Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture and I worked as a designer for six months after graduation. I was pretty miserable there because I wasn't allowed to think outside the box, I had to only stick to what they wanted us to make." Gilani later left the field and tried her hand in acting in a television commercial. 'I felt free during it. It was a nice experience and I just held onto it after that.' Choosing her projects Gilani's screen presence since her first TV drama has spanned about seventeen years, although she has been out of business for the past seven years. Reflecting on this, she said, 'I feel for the girls when I read a story. I always want to pick narratives that feature female empowerment, break gender stereotypes and show you how to fight for what's rightfully yours.' She added, 'The kind of dramas that were being created in Pakistan while I worked were very regressive. I was sick of looking at the damsel in distress on screen.' The actor chose to dodge plenty of opportunities in search of quality of scripts, 'I always need to strongly connect with the script and tell newer and more uplifting stories. Because of this I started rejecting roles that came my way and eventually people stopped offering.' Upon her departure from acting, Gilani clarified that she was content with the direction her life took, 'I was okay with not getting offers anymore. I moved on from acting and got involved in activism and philanthropy instead. I became part of a non-profit that ran olympics for special children every year and it was very fulfilling. I have always wanted to stay grounded this way and acting was only a business at that point.' Gilani recalled what it was like to choose scripts that she enjoyed, 'With luck if I even received a script like Churails, it would get heavily censored and the team would need to hide face. It was either this fight for our safety and free will or playing someone I didn't relate to. Eventually I left acting altogether. They could find ten other lead actresses that could play the repressed house wife. I didn't feel like I was needed anymore.' Standing up for her work Churails released as a webseries in 2020 under the Indian platform Zee. Knowing the Pakistani censor board will never air it, she recalled, 'We already knew it would get us in trouble and we didn't care. The story of female vigilantes drinking alcohol and holding guns in Karachi had never been told before. Of course I wanted to be a part of it.' This wasn't the only time Gilani had partaken in a risky project, 'When Joyland was released in 2022, we were again well aware that it might create problems. It's like, Churails prepared us for what it feels like to get banned in Pakistan.' she joked. 'Joyland told the story of gender fluidity, desire and acceptance. It was new and well made. Due to this, it was screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Not only was it screened, it also won awards. That's a huge deal!' Commenting on industry support over her exploratory projects, Gilani shared, 'There is a lot of politics in our industry for sure. You follow a trend and become part of a clique to get jobs. Due to this, projects like Joyland and Churails didn't receive a single praise from within the industry. Which is quite sad because it was so critically acclaimed worldwide.' According to her, 'I've learned that no one in industry really stands with you while you are going through something difficult. They don't want to ruin their own image. Joyland and Churails getting banned in Pakistan was tough for me and it made me realize that I cannot rely on anyone.' She didn't shy away from calling out fellow actors either, 'It's kind of hypocritical. The actresses that call themselves feminists and claim to support Aurat March will not hesitate while choosing a regressive and backwards script. If you are truly a feminist, you wouldn't be okay with playing such a demeaning role. Their activism is very performative.' Her liberal arts background has rendered her to understand systemic issues in the entertainment industry, 'Even while working in advertising, it had the same problem. If you want to sell soap, put a woman there, if you want to sell milk, make a woman stand next to it. It's exhausting and we have more to offer.' Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
Style Blueprint
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Style Blueprint
Where to Eat & Drink Near Nashville's Small Music Venues
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit While arenas and stadiums may draw the biggest crowds, I've found that some of my most noteworthy concerts have taken place in more club-like venues. From intimate singer-songwriter sets to energetic rock shows, these small venues in Nashville offer up some serious talent. Here are some of the best places to grab food and drinks before or after a show. (Planning to hit a bigger venue instead? Check out more pre- and post-show spots for Nashville's larger music venues.) The Basement East Perhaps my favorite venue in all of Nashville, The Basement East is known for its more intimate shows that highlight both local and national touring acts. Conveniently located near a handful of East Nashville restaurants and bars, below are a few standouts. PRE-SHOW BITES Joyland: Located just down the street, Joyland is dubbed the 'home of the original crustburger.' Created by James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock, the nostalgia-inducing smashburger includes crispy, paper-thin potato buns and a thin patty topped with melted cheese and onions. Located just down the street, Joyland is dubbed the 'home of the original crustburger.' Created by James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock, the nostalgia-inducing smashburger includes crispy, paper-thin potato buns and a thin patty topped with melted cheese and onions. Five Points Pizza East Nashville: Whether you're in the mood for a classic slice or something more adventurous, Five Points offers New York-style pies alongside ice-cold brews. Whether you're in the mood for a classic slice or something more adventurous, Five Points offers New York-style pies alongside ice-cold brews. Honeytree Meadery: While the meadery doesn't offer food, Bad Luck Burger Club's food truck is parked outside the front doors. Place your burger order online, then head inside for a glass of mead while you wait. It's the perfect low-key, hyper-local pairing. While the meadery doesn't offer food, Bad Luck Burger Club's food truck is parked outside the front doors. Place your burger order online, then head inside for a glass of mead while you wait. It's the perfect low-key, hyper-local pairing. Butcher & Bee: With a focus on vegetable-forward small plates and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, my personal favorites at Butcher & Bee include the whipped feta and avocado crispy rice. Pin POST-SHOW VIBES Lowbar: Possibly your most convenient option, Lowbar is located right beneath Exit/In, with direct access to the venue both before and after your show. Along with a solid drink menu, the spot offers darts, billiards, and the occasional karaoke night for extra fun. Possibly your most convenient option, Lowbar is located right beneath Exit/In, with direct access to the venue both before and after your show. Along with a solid drink menu, the spot offers darts, billiards, and the occasional karaoke night for extra fun. Up-Down Arcade: Just steps away, Up-Down offers a collection of classic arcade games, pinball, and Skee-Ball. Or, if you're up for it, fire up a Nintendo 64. Bonus: They serve late-night pizza, too! Just steps away, Up-Down offers a collection of classic arcade games, pinball, and Skee-Ball. Or, if you're up for it, fire up a Nintendo 64. Bonus: They serve late-night pizza, too! Rosemary & Beauty Queen: This East Nashville favorite has gained major popularity thanks to TikTok and Instagram, so don't be surprised if it's a little crowded. That said, the colorful, eclectic atmosphere and solid cocktails make it well worth the stop. This East Nashville favorite has gained major popularity thanks to TikTok and Instagram, so don't be surprised if it's a little crowded. That said, the colorful, eclectic atmosphere and solid cocktails make it well worth the stop. The Red Door Saloon East: Just around the corner from Rosemary & Beauty Queen, this local, no-frills hangout is a go-to for affordable drinks and a welcoming atmosphere. It also offers a spacious patio that's great for people-watching. Pin Exit/In A Nashville staple since 1971, Exit/In has hosted a variety of legendary musicians, including The Black Keys, Alabama Shakes, John Prine, and so many more. (Note: Compared to other parts of town, Midtown doesn't offer quite as many bars to choose from after the show; however, what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for with laid-back, welcoming vibes.) PRE-SHOW BITES Elliston Place Soda Shop: This Nashville institution has been serving Southern comfort food since 1951. Whether you're craving a classic meat-and-three plate or a hand-spun milkshake, it's sure to evoke some nostalgia. This Nashville institution has been serving Southern comfort food since 1951. Whether you're craving a classic meat-and-three plate or a hand-spun milkshake, it's sure to evoke some nostalgia. Henley: For something more upscale, Henley offers everything from shareable plates to inventive cocktails and standout entrées — including crab spaghetti and ruby trout. For something more upscale, Henley offers everything from shareable plates to inventive cocktails and standout entrées — including crab spaghetti and ruby trout. Amerigo: Another longtime local favorite, Amerigo is a great spot to enjoy rich pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, or a hearty salad. Another longtime local favorite, Amerigo is a great spot to enjoy rich pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, or a hearty salad. Jasper's: Right next door to Amerigo, this modern hangout offers an upscale sports bar feel. Be sure to also visit the game room that includes shuffleboard and arcade games. Pin POST-SHOW VIBES Midtown Bar Hop: If you have the energy to barhop after the show, Midtown is home to a handful of laid-back bars within walking distance of one another. Highlights include Losers, Riley Green's Duck Blind, Odie's, and The Red Door Saloon Midtown. Brooklyn Bowl Another one of my personal favorites, Brooklyn Bowl is part concert hall, part bowling alley, and all kinds of fun. While the venue serves its own lineup of food and drinks, here are some additional restaurants and bars to check out before or after the show. PRE-SHOW BITES TailGate Brewery Germantown: Steps from Brooklyn Bowl, TailGate Brewery is the perfect place to fuel up before the show. The Nashville favorite boasts an extensive craft beer selection alongside some fun, creative takes on pizza. Steps from Brooklyn Bowl, TailGate Brewery is the perfect place to fuel up before the show. The Nashville favorite boasts an extensive craft beer selection alongside some fun, creative takes on pizza. Geist Bar + Restaurant: Known for its stunning, Instagram-worthy champagne garden and seasonal menu, Geist has become a go-to for both foodies and photo ops. It's a great option if you're looking to elevate your pre-show dinner with stylish cocktails and upscale Southern fare. Known for its stunning, Instagram-worthy champagne garden and seasonal menu, Geist has become a go-to for both foodies and photo ops. It's a great option if you're looking to elevate your pre-show dinner with stylish cocktails and upscale Southern fare. Von Elrod's Beer Hall & Kitchen: A pre-show party just waiting to happen, Von Elrod's offers over 30 beers on tap and a buzzing atmosphere. With communal-style seating, it's the perfect place to catch up with your friends over house-made sausages and giant pretzels before heading to the venue. A pre-show party just waiting to happen, Von Elrod's offers over 30 beers on tap and a buzzing atmosphere. With communal-style seating, it's the perfect place to catch up with your friends over house-made sausages and giant pretzels before heading to the venue. Pelato: Serving elevated takes on Italian classics — think crispy artichokes, cacio e pepe, and meatballs in decadent gravy — Pelato is an ideal spot to kick off your night in Germantown. Pin POST-SHOW VIBES Neighbors of Germantown: This lively hangout usually buzzes with energy, especially on show nights. With plenty of TVs, local beers, and a menu chock-full of bar bites, it's a fun, no-fuss spot to keep the night going. This lively hangout usually buzzes with energy, especially on show nights. With plenty of TVs, local beers, and a menu chock-full of bar bites, it's a fun, no-fuss spot to keep the night going. Barrel Proof: If you're looking for a cozy, post-show cocktail, Barrel Proof is your place. Offering over 300 (yes, 300!) whiskeys, there's no shortage of options — whether you're sipping something neat or going for a creative cocktail. If you're looking for a cozy, post-show cocktail, Barrel Proof is your place. Offering over 300 (yes, 300!) whiskeys, there's no shortage of options — whether you're sipping something neat or going for a creative cocktail. Jack Brown's Beer + Burger Joint Germantown: A popular late-night spot, Jack Brown's serves creative burgers that will refuel you if you need a heartier post-show bite. Pair your burger with one of the restaurant's many beers, including plenty of local brews. A popular late-night spot, Jack Brown's serves creative burgers that will refuel you if you need a heartier post-show bite. Pair your burger with one of the restaurant's many beers, including plenty of local brews. Mother's Ruin: Known for its lively crowds and energetic vibe, Mother's Ruin is a cocktail bar where the drinks are as creative as the atmosphere. And, if you're hungry, the kitchen serves bites like waffle fries, queso, and a smashburger until 1:30 a.m. Pin ********** Looking for more of our favorite spots around Nashville? Sign up for our daily emails to stay in the know. About the Author Brianna Goebel Brianna is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.
Rhyl Journal
14-06-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Former Rhyl printer recalls 1945 VE Day street party
This was in Holland Park Drive in Rhyl. George Owen was just aged five at the time. The photo was taken by Bernard Bestwick who lived on the corner of Donald Avenue and ran a Chromium Silver Plating business on Vale Road. He also had an amusement arcade called Joyland in Queen Street near the Victory Club. George, who was born in Rhyl and worked as a printer at the old Journal Offices in Russell Road, said: "I was five years old and I am shown circled alongside my sister Diana who was two years old. My mum Margaret Owen was standing behind us and my late elder brother Gordon is shown on the left. At that time we lived nearby at 53 Rhuddlan Road. My sister and I are still in good health. George is shown circled alongside his sister Diana who was two-years-old and his mum Margaret Owen (Image: Bernard Bestwick / Shared by George Owen) "Sadly Bernard Bestwick's son was killed in action during the D Day landings. His details are on the Rhyl War Memorial. "Rank, Name and Service Number: Corporal Bestwick, Bernard Francis 4201568; Service: Royal Hussars Royal Armoured Corps (H.Q. Sqn. 13th/18th) Died: June 10 1944, Age: 28. "He was the husband of Dorothy Bestwick shown at the front of the photo sitting on the left with a child on her knee. "The lady on the extreme right, beneath the flag, was Queenie Westbury who, with her husband Percy Westbury, ran the Gem Grocery Stores (now a house) on Rhuddlan Road, where we were all registered with our ration books [George still has his]. George Owen (Image: Submitted by George Owen) "The area in the photo behind Holland Park Drive was all fields but is now all built up." George made mention that in the VE Day street party photo it is mainly women and children in attendance. "I assume they [the men] had either not returned from the forces, were at work or were celebrating in the pub," he said. "I mentioned that during the war my family lived at 53 Rhuddlan Road. One memory I have is of me playing in the front garden and men arrived and took away our metal iron gate. "I ran into the house but dad said it was for the war effort as they were short of material make bombs. "Ironically, it was revealed much later that this was just morale-boosting as the metal was dumped the sea later because it was not suitable." George now lives in Clapham, London, with his partner Angela. He said: 'I visit Rhyl fairly regularly to see family and friends and though the old place has its problems, like anywhere else, I still get a fix from a bracing walk on the prom and a pint in the Swan." George is hoping that Journal readers will be able to identify other people in pictured in the photo.
