Algerian Authorities Ban Warner Bros’ “Barbie” Film Over Moral Concerns
In a surprising move, Algerian authorities have decided to pull the runaway box office hit, “Barbie,” from local cinemas due to its alleged “damaging morals.” The film had been playing successfully for the past three weeks, attracting an estimated 40,000 viewers. However, it is no longer being screened in the country’s main cinemas after the culture ministry requested its withdrawal.
According to an “official source” who spoke with Reuters, the movie was removed because it was deemed to “promote homosexuality and did not comply with Algeria’s religious and cultural beliefs.” Private news site 24H Algérie was the first to report the ban, stating that the government informed the local distributor MD Ciné and leading cinemas about the film being pulled for “damaging morals.”
This ban follows the recent banning of Warner Bros’ billion-dollar hit in Kuwait and facing roadblocks in Lebanon. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Information spokesperson informed the BBC last week that “Barbie” “promulgates ideas and beliefs that are alien to Kuwaiti society and public order.” Likewise, the Lebanese Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada requested the interior ministry to “take all necessary measures to ban” the movie, citing concerns over it promoting homosexuality and transsexuality and undermining the role of the mother, marriage, and family.
Currently, “Barbie” is being reviewed by censors in Lebanon and is not programmed in cinemas. Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the film has become a box office and cultural phenomenon this summer, surpassing one billion dollars in global revenue.
The banning of “Barbie” in Algeria has sparked controversy and debate. Warner Bros and Algeria’s Culture Ministry have been contacted for comment, and their response remains awaited.