DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – The anticipated release of the film “Barbie” across the Middle East on Thursday has faced potential bans in Kuwait and Lebanon, sparking concerns about the film’s availability in the region. While the movie does not contain explicit sexuality or LGBTQ+ references, it has drawn criticism due to its exuberance and broader message of inclusion and gender equality, aspects that challenge the prevailing conservative norms in the Middle East where homosexuality remains largely taboo.
Kuwait officially announced the ban late Wednesday, citing that the film promotes ideas and beliefs considered foreign to Kuwaiti society and public order, as stated by the state-run KUNA news agency. In Lebanon, Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada forwarded a request to ban the film, asserting that it contradicts values of faith and morality while supposedly promoting homosexuality and sexual transformation. The decision in Lebanon is under consideration by the General Security agency, which traditionally handles censorship decisions.
The move to ban the film has caused uproar in Lebanon, which was once relatively tolerant of the LGBTQ+ community. However, recent years have seen growing pressure on the LGBTQ+ community due to the influence of powerful Islamist and far-right Christian groups, coupled with a severe economic crisis.
Throughout the Middle East, same-sex relations are widely viewed as sinful by many Muslims, Christians, and Jews, leading to arrests and imprisonment in some regions. Certain countries, such as Iraq, have even issued orders banning the use of the term “homosexuality,” replacing it with the phrase “sexual deviance.”
“Barbie,” featuring an all-star cast that includes gay actress Kate McKinnon and transgender actor Hari Nef, has been embraced by many in the LGBTQ+ community, although some have criticized it for pushing a heteronormative narrative.
Despite the controversy, the Warner Bros. film has been a massive box office success, grossing over $1 billion within a month of its release in other markets. It is set to premiere in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain on Thursday evening.
Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have made significant investments in sports, entertainment, and tourism in recent years, but they criminalize homosexuality and perceive LGBTQ+ advocacy as a societal threat.
The film’s release in the Middle East was initially scheduled for August 31 but was moved up recently, suggesting that any censorship concerns were resolved. Film releases in the region are often delayed to allow time for production companies to censor content or for review committees to assess them.
While the fate of “Barbie” in the Middle East remains uncertain, past incidents involving film censorship in the region indicate the complexities of navigating cultural sensitivities and differing standards for entertainment.