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Barbie Film Banned in Algeria: Latest Country to Restrict Screening
Key Takeaways:
- The film “Barbie” directed by Greta Gerwig has been banned in Algeria for promoting “homosexuality and other Western deviances.”
- Algeria is the third country to ban the film, following Kuwait and Vietnam.
- Kuwait and Lebanon banned the film due to moral objections, while Vietnam’s ban was related to geopolitical issues.
- The international bans and controversies surrounding the film have not affected its success, as it has crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide.
Algeria has become the latest country to ban the screening of the film “Barbie,” directed by Greta Gerwig. A local news outlet first reported the ban, with Algeria’s Ministry of Culture condemning the film for “damaging morals.” According to reports, the film does not comply with Algeria’s religious and cultural beliefs and promotes homosexuality and other Western deviances.
Following the news of the ban, theaters in Algiers, Oran, and Constantine were instructed to immediately stop showing the film. The film’s distributor, Algeria MD Ciné, was also alerted about the ban. However, it seems that the officials may have missed the opportunity to fully suppress the film as it has already been in theaters for three weeks, with daily sold-out screenings.
This is not the first time that “Barbie” has faced bans. Kuwait and Vietnam have previously banned the film, while Lebanon is also considering a ban. In Kuwait, officials cited the presence of ideas and beliefs alien to the Kuwaiti society and public order, without specifying the objectionable issues. Lebanon’s culture minister, Mohammad Mortada, openly stated that the film would promote homosexuality and sexual transformation. The decision to ban the film in Lebanon is pending approval from the General Security agency.
Vietnam, on the other hand, banned “Barbie” due to a scene allegedly showing a map of the contested “nine-dash line” in the South China Sea. This demarcation line is a source of territorial disputes between China and other nations in the area, including Vietnam. Vietnam has previously banned movies that touched upon the same issue.
Despite these controversies and bans, “Barbie” has achieved tremendous success at the box office. It recently crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide, with Greta Gerwig becoming the first solo female director to reach that milestone. The film has generated $660.6 million from the overseas box office, demonstrating its global appeal.