Kuwait's Stance on Cinema: The 'Barbie' Ban and Beyond

Know about two superhit movies banned in Kuwait over ethical concerns

In recent developments that have garnered international attention, Kuwait's cinema censorship committee made a bold decision to ban the hit film "Barbie", citing concerns over "public ethics". While many films undergo minor scene censorships to better align with a nation's cultural values, this outright ban has sparked discussions about artistic freedom and cultural boundaries. Furthermore, the banning of "Barbie" and another film, "Talk to Me", not only reflects Kuwait's stance but also highlights an ongoing trend across several Middle Eastern countries. As the world delves into the reasons behind these bans, Moris Media, India’s leading celebrity management agency, tries to understand the cultural dynamics that led to this decision.

Background on Kuwait's Censorship

Kuwait, like many other nations in the Gulf region, has a rich history deeply rooted in its traditions and values. Reflective of its cultural stance, the country has always maintained a keen vigil on media and entertainment to ensure they align with the nation's ethics and societal beliefs. Kuwait's cinema censorship committee, under the leadership of Lafy Al-Subei'e, is tasked with this critical responsibility.

While Kuwait is not isolated in its approach to content control, its strict regulations set it apart. Foreign films, especially, come under close scrutiny. Often, the committee recommends the censoring of specific scenes that might be deemed offensive or against public ethics. However, an outright ban is reserved for movies carrying messages or showcasing behaviours that are fundamentally incompatible with Kuwaiti values.

A common theme in the films banned or censored is their portrayal of LGBTQ references. Given that homosexuality is outlawed in several Gulf Arab states, including Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, movies touching on these themes or even hinting at them are often flagged. The challenge lies in striking a balance between preserving cultural values and embracing global cinematic arts, a balance that Kuwait continues to navigate.

The Films in Controversy

Two films recently found themselves at the centre of Kuwait's censorship debate: "Barbie" and "Talk to Me." Both movies, despite their differences, were flagged for allegedly promoting ideas alien to Kuwaiti society and public order.

"Barbie," an international hit that raked in over $1 billion globally, became the subject of scrutiny not just in Kuwait but also in other Middle Eastern countries. Despite its significant success, Kuwait barred the film from its cinemas, citing concerns about "public ethics." Interestingly, while "Barbie" has been criticized for supposedly "promoting homosexuality," the film doesn’t have any specific references to same-sex relationships and neither contains any unusual themes. In a contrasting scenario, countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, which share similar conservative stances, have allowed the screening of "Barbie."

On the other hand, "Talk to Me" featured Australian transgender actor Zoe Terakes but refrained from including explicit LGBTQ references. Terakes, in response to the ban, clarified that their presence in the film as a trans actor didn't equate to the movie having queer themes. Their poignant remark, of being a person and not a theme underscored representation and identity in the world of cinema. The juxtaposition of these two films' treatments sheds light on the complex nuances of film censorship in Kuwait.

Global Reception of 'Barbie'

The film "Barbie" is enjoying remarkable commercial success and has already grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Its universal themes and storylines has found resonance with diverse audiences, irrespective of cultural and geographical boundaries.

While its commercial triumph is undeniable, the film's reception has varied across different regions, especially in the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain—countries known for their conservative stances on content—the film was given a green light for screening, highlighting its widespread appeal and acceptance in parts of the region. This decision was notable, especially considering these countries' historical censorship of content that contains LGBTQ references.

Contrastingly, in Lebanon, Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada vocalized concerns, stating that "Barbie" promoted homosexuality, even though the film lacked any overt references to same-sex relationships or queer themes. This variance in reception underscores the subjectivity and cultural nuances associated with content interpretation.

The film's global acceptance juxtaposed against its selective bans demonstrates the balancing act creators often must perform, catering to global audiences while navigating intricate cultural sensibilities. "Barbie's" reception, both in terms of its box office numbers and its cultural controversies, is a testament to cinema's powerful role in shaping, reflecting, and sometimes challenging societal norms and values.

Censorship Trends in the Gulf Arab States

The Gulf Arab states, known for their rich cultural heritage and conservative values, have exhibited particular tendencies when it comes to censorship, especially in the realm of cinema and entertainment. Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and their neighbouring countries have historically had stringent guidelines governing content, driven by societal norms, religious beliefs, and state policies.

A recurring trend is the censorship of films containing LGBTQ references. Homosexuality is outlawed in these countries, leading to the routine excision of scenes, dialogues, or even complete bans of movies that contain such references. For instance, the latest Spider-Man animation faced a ban reportedly over a scene displaying a transgender pride flag, a clear indication of the sensitivities around LGBTQ themes.

Yet, it's crucial to note that these trends are not universally applied across all Gulf Arab states uniformly. While "Barbie" faced prohibition in Kuwait and elicited concerns in Lebanon, it saw screenings in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain.

These censorship tendencies, while rooted in preserving cultural and religious values, also spark debates about freedom of expression, creativity, and global cultural exchange. As global cinema continues to evolve, the balancing act between cultural preservation and globalized entertainment in the Gulf Arab states remains a dynamic landscape.

Terakes's Perspective

Zoe Terakes, the Australian transgender actor featuring in "Talk to Me", shed light on the issue of censorship from a personal standpoint. Being banned, even indirectly, on the grounds of gender identity brought forward a profound message: identity shouldn't be seen as a "theme" to be censored or highlighted. Terakes's statement on social media, "I am a trans actor who happened to get the role. I'm not a theme. I'm a person," resonated deeply, emphasizing that their presence in the movie was not as a token or an agenda, but as an artist. The actor, who identifies as non-binary, poignantly reminded the world that at the core, it's about acknowledging individual humanity beyond stereotypes, biases, or cinematic themes. Terakes's perspective underscores the need for inclusivity and understanding in global entertainment, encouraging viewers to see beyond labels and appreciate the art and artist alike.