Algeria has taken measures to prohibit the screening of the film “Barbie,” previously exhibited in select cinemas within the nation for several weeks, as reported by the local news outlet 24H Algerie on Monday.
According to an official source quoted in the report, the movie was banned due to its alleged promotion of homosexuality and other Western cultural influences that are considered contrary to Algeria’s religious and cultural values.
The film, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as the iconic characters Barbie and Ken, takes the beloved doll on a real-world adventure. Since its release on July 21, the movie has achieved remarkable success at the global box office, amassing over $1 billion in ticket sales. However, despite its commercial success, the Algerian authorities took a firm stance against the movie’s content.
Algeria is not the only country to impose a ban on the “Barbie” film. Both Lebanon and Kuwait have also made the decision to prohibit the movie from being shown within their borders. This trend of banning the film highlights a growing concern among some countries about the perceived influence of certain cultural and social values propagated by Western media.
The ban on the “Barbie” movie in Algeria falls under the purview of the country’s Culture Ministry, which oversees the content of films exhibited in cinemas. This regulatory authority grants the ministry the power to prevent the screening of movies that are deemed to be in conflict with Algeria’s cultural and religious norms.
The decision to ban the “Barbie” film reflects broader discussions and debates taking place in various societies about the impact of media and entertainment on cultural values and norms.
The movie’s prohibition in Algeria sheds light on the complex interplay between global popular culture, societal values, and government regulations, raising questions about the balance between artistic expression and cultural preservation.
