Over one month after it was first released in Algeria, the Barbie movie was removed from cinemas throughout the North African nation due to the issue of morality threat.
According to online news outlet 24H Algerie, via ABC News, theatres in three locations (Algiers, Oran, and Constantine) were told by Algeria's Ministry of Culture and Arts to immediately remove the film.
'Barbie' Film Cancellation
The film Barbie made its debut in Algerian theaters around a month ago. However, distributors of the film have decided to stop showing the Hollywood smash hit as of this week.
Authorities in Kuwait and Lebanon have taken this step after deciding that a live-action film based on American fashion dolls poses an unacceptable danger to traditional values in those countries, AP News reported.
On social media, several Algerians vented their frustration over the show's cancellation by using the hashtag "#IAmBarbie." Others criticized the movie, calling it "censorship" and "bigotry."
Issue With Morality
Writer Leila Belkacem posted on her social media account, reacting to comments that the movie is a threat to morality. "What morality are they talking about when the censors gorge on porn films at home? Aren't you tired of dragging the country into your dark delusions?" she stated on Facebook.
Retired educator Fatima Ait Kaci told the AP News that she intended to fulfill her pledge to accompany her two Canadian grandkids to the theater. When they arrived at the Riadh El Feth theater in Algiers at 3:00 pm local time, Ait Kaci stated she learned what had happened to the film only because another picture was playing in that time slot.
They "don't have the courage to take responsibility for this shameful act of censorship," she remarked, referring to the Algerian officials.
None of the characters in Barbie are sexualized or talk about LGBTQ+ issues. However, its message of inclusiveness and gender equality appears to have resonated in a region where homosexuality is often frowned upon, leading to its meteoric rise in popularity.
Meanwhile, the Audiovisual Regulatory Authority announced last week that it would temporarily halt broadcasts from the private TV channel Es Salam for allegedly airing a program with scenes contrary to the precepts of Islam and the way of life in Algerian society in an irresponsible and unprofessional manner.
ABC News said the ministry and the Algerian Audiovisual Regulatory Authority did not respond to requests for comment or offer a justification for the alleged instruction.
Since the Barbie debut, the Warner Bros. picture has earned over $1 billion throughout the globe.
