The recent uproar surrounding the Barbie film has led to its prohibition from cinemas in Algeria, invoking allegations of moral degradation. This ban also extends to Lebanon and Kuwait, where the movie had already been restricted last week. The film, directed by Greta Gerwig, had experienced a three-week-long sold-out streak in theaters across Algiers, Oran, and Constantine, only to encounter an abrupt halt following an immediate withdrawal notice issued by the Ministry of Culture. Algerian authorities assert that the film constitutes a ‘threat to morality,’ attributing their decision to its alleged promotion of homosexuality and apparent disregard for their cultural values.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CurlyCurl (@curlycurlmedia)

Lebanon, despite being one of the more liberal Middle Eastern nations, also chose to censor the film, citing similar concerns surrounding ‘homosexuality and gender transformation.’ Notably, the censors have honed in on the theme of women’s liberation. According to the Lebanese Minister of Culture, the Barbie movie ‘encourages homosexuality and gender transformation, advocates against traditional parenthood, belittles the role of motherhood, and challenges the significance of marriage and family life.’

Kuwait, following suit, deemed the film responsible for ‘undermining public morality.’ In contrast, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt opted to postpone its release until August 30, pledging to review the plot ‘to align it more closely with our nation’s moral and social values.’ The film’s premiere is yet to grace Qatari theaters. Meanwhile, South Korea, where the film remains uncensored, grapples with its underperformance due to cultural reasons. Women’s rights activist Haein Shim elaborated to The Guardian, ‘A film centered on women with feminist humor still remains a taboo topic. Women might hesitate to watch the film, given the genuine fear of being branded as feminists in South Korea.’

In Vietnam, political motives led to the movie’s prohibition, primarily owing to a map displayed in the film that delineates disputed maritime borders between Vietnam and China. In essence, the Barbie film is emerging as a divisive subject. What are your perspectives on this intricate debate?”