Controversial ‘Barbie’ Film Sparks Cultural Debate and Divides Audiences in Gulf Countries
A recent film release has been generating significant controversy and cultural debate in the Gulf countries, particularly in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The film in question is Barbie, which has faced bans in certain Arab countries but has managed to captivate audiences in the conservative Gulf region.
In a surprising turn of events, fans, dressed in pink versions of the traditional abaya robe, have eagerly lined up in cinemas to catch a glimpse of the hit movie. The sight of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed donning pink robes in a doctored photo caused a stir on social media platforms. Meanwhile, a prominent Bahraini preacher condemned the film for its perceived progressive agenda.
The controversy surrounding Barbie extends beyond Bahrain, as the movie is banned in Kuwait and has not been released in Qatar or Oman. Furthermore, the film faces restrictions in Algeria and Lebanon in the wider Middle East.
The revelation that the movie would be shown in Gulf countries has surprised and delighted Emirati movie-goer, Wadima Al-Amiri, an 18-year-old who immersed herself in the pink-themed atmosphere at a packed Dubai cinema. The venue even offered pink-colored popcorn to match the ambiance.
Directed by feminist filmmaker Greta Gerwig, Barbie subtly addresses themes of diversity and inclusion without any explicit LGBTQ references. Notably, the film features a trans actor, which has drawn attention to the movie’s progressive stance.
Dubai, often hailed as the cosmopolitan hub of the Gulf, has embraced the film with enthusiasm. Cinemas are adorned with Barbie-themed memorabilia, while photo booths shaped like doll boxes have popped up throughout the city.
However, not everyone is pleased with the movie’s content. Hanan Al-Amoudi, a Saudi mother-of-four waiting to watch a different film in Dubai, expressed her disinterest in seeing Barbie due to her concerns about how it challenges traditional masculinity.
The film has also faced opposition from Islamic preacher Hassan Al-Husseini in Bahrain, who called for a ban. Al-Husseini criticized the movie for allegedly going against the values of marriage and motherhood and portraying men as monsters or without any sense of manhood.
Similarly, Kuwait, which is no stranger to moral scrutiny, banned Barbie to uphold public ethics and social traditions. Interestingly, Kuwait was recently the only Gulf Arab country to ban the Australian horror film Talk to Me, which features a trans actor without explicitly addressing LGBTQ issues.
Despite the bans and controversy, Kuwaiti audiences have found ways to watch Barbie through piracy websites or by visiting neighboring Saudi Arabia. One Kuwaiti journalist, Sheikha Al-Bahaweed, streamed the film online but was disappointed, stating that it fell short of being feminist and inclusive.
Critics argue that the film represents a form of white, colonial, and superficial feminism. They argue that true feminism is based on principles of equality, justice, and opportunities, rather than merely replacing a patriarchal system with a matriarchal one.
However, for 18-year-old Saudi, Reefan al-Amoudi, Barbie pushes the feminist agenda to an extreme, challenging the very nature of gender roles. She believes that while women should thrive and be independent, they should also embrace their inherent differences from men.
The release of Barbie has undoubtedly sparked a lively cultural debate throughout the Gulf countries. While supporters hail the film’s messages of empowerment and diversity, conservative voices call for the preservation of traditional values and question the portrayal of gender roles. As the movie continues to divide audiences, it serves as a reflection of the ongoing societal transformation within the Gulf region.
