Outdoor movie event faces turbulence due to "Barbie" screening threats
In the picturesque town of Noisy-le-Sec, near Paris, a cultural event was set to bring joy and entertainment to the community. However, the open-air screening of the much-anticipated "Barbie" movie was abruptly cancelled due to threats of disruption and violence.
The colourful satire, directed by Greta Gerwig and released in 2023, tells the story of the iconic Barbie doll (played by Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) leaving their home of Barbieland to enter the real world. The movie was a worldwide success, but in Noisy-le-Sec, it became a topic of controversy.
A small, vocal group of individuals from the neighbourhood opposed the film, accusing it of promoting "neo-feminist propaganda" and "LGBT stories." They also claimed that it violates the integrity of women and promotes homosexuality. These opponents threatened public servants and even teenagers threatened to prevent the screening and destroy the equipment.
The situation was described as very aggressive by the mayor, Olivier Sarrabeyrouse. After receiving reports from the employees of the movie night and considering the threats, he decided to cancel the screening to protect public safety. The mayor expressed regret over the cancellation, but prioritised the safety of the community.
In response to the cancellation, French Culture Minister Rachida Dati condemned the decision, calling it a serious attack on cultural programming that excluded families and children from a cultural activity. She described these acts as a growing form of delinquency and announced that legal action would be taken against those responsible. Dati criticized the mayor’s decision, implying he gave in to fundamentalist pressure and highlighting the broader cultural and social implications of such disruptions.
This incident in Noisy-le-Sec serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom of expression and cultural diversity. It is hoped that such incidents will be rare in the future, and that communities can continue to enjoy and learn from diverse cultural programming.
Despite the success of the "Barbie" movie worldwide, its screening in Noisy-le-Sec became a matter of controversy due to protests against its perceived promotion of "neo-feminist propaganda" and "LGBT stories." The movie, set to be a part of the town's cultural entertainment offerings, was cancelled to ensure public safety. This unfortunate cancellation sparked criticism from French Culture Minister Rachida Dati, highlighting the importance of freedom of expression and cultural diversity in such matters.
