Ban on 'Barbie' in Some Islamic Countries; Art Enthusiasts Travel to Saudi Arabia to Watch the Film

Following the ban on the film 'Barbie' in some Islamic countries, art enthusiasts in several Arab Gulf countries are traveling to Saudi Arabia to watch the film. According to 'Hollywood Reporter', whereas less than a decade ago, Saudi citizens had to travel to neighboring countries to watch films, this trend has now reversed. Extensive social changes, the construction of numerous modern cinema complexes, and relatively mild censorship of Hollywood works by Saudi officials have made the country a destination for tourists who cannot watch films like 'Barbie' in their own countries. Abdullah Al-Ayaf, a Saudi director, depicted the story of Saudi citizens traveling to neighboring countries to go to the cinema in his 2006 documentary titled 'Cinema 500 Kilometers'. In this film, a cinema manager in Bahrain claimed that 90% of his customers were from Saudi Arabia. According to Saudi officials, in the summer of 2010, about 230,000 Saudi citizens traveled to the United Arab Emirates to watch films. However, now, due to the lifting of the cinema ban in Saudi Arabia approved in 2017, the country has become one of the most important cinema markets in the Middle East and the world. Thus, not only do Saudi citizens have the opportunity to watch major Hollywood films, but in a significant cultural and historical shift, they are also welcoming art enthusiasts from neighboring countries who travel to their land. Recent advertisements for the film 'Barbie' at its premiere in cinemas in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, indicate that Kuwait recently banned the screening of 'Barbie' due to promoting 'ideas and beliefs that are alien to society and public order', and it seems that Lebanon will also not grant a screening license for this film due to 'promoting homosexuality' and 'contradicting religious and moral values'. Meanwhile, 'Barbie' has been showing in Saudi Arabia since Thursday, August 10, and due to widespread popularity, some cinemas have had to add extra screenings to their schedules. Cinema blogs in Kuwait and some other Islamic countries have published comprehensive information on how to watch 'Barbie' in various cities in Saudi Arabia. They note that upon entering the country, their visas are easily issued by Saudi officials. This recreational trip for Kuwaiti citizens takes two to three hours by land, which may be somewhat difficult but is a suitable option for art enthusiasts who cannot watch 'Barbie' in Kuwait. The film 'Barbie', starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, has sold over one billion dollars worldwide since its global release on July 21 and has gained immense popularity. In the conservative Middle East, where there are many restrictions for citizens of the countries, today Saudi Arabia has become an attractive destination for tourism, and tourists can enjoy watching sports competitions, films, and music concerts. The film 'Barbie' continues to make headlines; its screening was banned in Kuwait and Lebanon, and the Lebanese Minister of Culture, under pressure from religious groups and Hezbollah, called for a ban on the screening of 'Barbie'. The United Arab Emirates has agreed to screen the film 'Barbie'.