'Barbie' to start screening in Egypt as Lebanon, Bahrain move to follow Kuwait's lead and ban film

Cinemas in Egypt have announced that they will be showing the 'Barbie' film from Saturday, amid contention over the movie’s release in the wider Middle East.

Both the Renaissance and VOX cinema chains said that they would begin showing the film, based on the popular line of dolls from Mattel, from 12 August.

'Barbie' whose star-studded cast includes Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and Will Ferrell, was originally going to be released in Egypt in July, as happened in several other countries worldwide.

But the film's release was pushed back, with one official saying that it would begin showing from 31 August, while other countries in the region deliberated over whether the film was "compatible" with their social values.

'Barbie' has received wide acclaim for its quick-witted humour, dream-like set design, but its message of female empowerment and trans inclusivity — trans actress Hari Nef plays one of the many versions of Barbie featured in the film — have come under intense fire from conservatives.

Renaissance and VOX have placed different age restrictions on the film, as the Egyptian culture ministry has yet to give the film an official rating.

VOX gave the film an 18TC rating — meaning that until an official rating is given, cinema-goers under the age of 18 will not be allowed to see it.

Renaissance's age restrictions are less clear. The film appears to have been given a Parental Guidance rating on the website, but in a comment on its Instagram post announcing the film's release, it said entry was not restricted.

Some countries in the Middle East have seen campaigns to get 'Barbie' banned for what is opponents have claimed are promotions of homosexuality.

Kuwait has outright banned the film, while officials in Lebanon and lawmakers in Bahrain have also moved to get the film banned in their countries, saying it contains content "alien" to their societal values.

Barbie is far from the first Hollywood film to have been banned from cinema screens in the region for their alleged pro-LGBTQ+ agenda.

Last year, the film 'Lightyear' was banned in several countries in the Middle East because two female characters share a kiss.