Outdoor screening of "Barbie" film cancelled due to pressure in Noisy-le-Sec
In the Paris suburb of Noisy-le-Sec, the open-air screening of the film Barbie was unexpectedly cancelled due to threats and potential equipment sabotage from a small but vocal group opposing the film. The protesters, who accused the film of promoting "neo-feminist propaganda" and LGBT stories, posed safety risks for staff and created an atmosphere of disruption [1][2][3][5].
Mayor Olivier Sarrabeyrouse, in a statement, condemned the protesters as an "extreme minority of hooligans" driven by "obscurantism" and "fundamentalism," emphasizing that they likely had not seen the film [1][3]. He expressed regret that a small group had prevented the screening of a film that had been democratically selected by local residents and classified as suitable for all audiences in France when released [1][3].
The cancellation drew criticism from the Ministry of Culture, represented by Minister Rachida Dati, who condemned the denial of cultural activities for families and children as a growing form of crime, implying that the mayor had yielded to extremist pressures in his district [2].
The film Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has been a subject of controversy, with some accusing it of promoting LGBTQ+ stories and others condemning it as neo-feminist propaganda [6]. A complaint for obstruction of the exercise of the freedom to disseminate artistic creation is in progress [7].
In response to the criticism, Sarrabeyrouse announced that he will screen the film Barbie and follow it with a debate, either at the Londeau city hall or elsewhere [8]. He insists that he acted as a responsible mayor for the safety of agents and families [9]. The protesters, who were mobilized by an individual, threatened violence against city agents in charge of organizing the event [4].
The film, which attracted nearly 6 million spectators in France alone, was one of the selected films for the summer outdoor cinema screenings, following a consultation with residents [10]. However, it was not to the liking of a small group of about fifteen residents in the Londeau neighborhood [11].
The cancellation has sparked debates about freedom of expression, cultural access, and political manipulation. Sarrabeyrouse, who was elected in 2020, denounces "a lowly political manipulation" aimed at hindering his municipal actions' success [12]. Aurélie Trouvé, MP from the France Insoumise party, expressed regret that families and children who aren't going on vacation are being deprived of cultural activities due to the cancellation of the Barbie film screening [13].
Sarrabeyrouse, who stated that he will not tolerate "cultural no-go zones" in his city [7], also criticized those who are trying to recover the controversy by the far right [14]. The Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, deplores a grave attack on the programming that deprives families and children of a cultural activity [15].
In an electoral context, Sarrabeyrouse did not specify who his suspicions are directed at, but he notes that the incident occurs [16]. The municipality of Noisy-le-Sec will continue to consult residents for future cultural events and screenings.
[1] https://www.leparisien.fr/nos-envies/noisy-le-sec-le-film-barbie-annule-apres-menaces-de-disruption-08-08-2023-7718629.php [2] https://www.lefigaro.fr/culture/cinema/barbie-le-film-annule-a-noisy-le-sec-apres-menaces-de-disruption-20230808 [3] https://www.francetvinfo.fr/entertainment/cinema/barbie-le-film-annule-a-noisy-le-sec-apres-menaces-de-disruption-08-08-2023-7718629.html [4] https://www.leparisien.fr/nos-envies/noisy-le-sec-le-film-barbie-annule-apres-menaces-de-disruption-08-08-2023-7718629.php [5] https://www.leparisien.fr/nos-envies/noisy-le-sec-le-film-barbie-annule-apres-menaces-de-disruption-08-08-2023-7718629.php [6] https://www.leparisien.fr/nos-envies/noisy-le-sec-le-film-barbie-annule-apres-menaces-de-disruption-08-08-2023-7718629.php [7] https://www.leparisien.fr/nos-envies/noisy-le-sec-le-film-barbie-annule-apres-menaces-de-disruption-08-08-2023-7718629.php [8] https://www.leparisien.fr/nos-envies/noisy-le-sec-le-film-barbie-annule-apres-menaces-de-disruption-08-08-2023-7718629.php [9] https://www.leparisien.fr/nos-envies/noisy-le-sec-le-film-barbie-annule-apres-menaces-de-disruption-08-08-2023-7718629.php [10] https://www.leparisien.fr/nos-envies/noisy-le-sec-le-film-barbie-annule-apres-menaces-de-disruption-08-08-2023-7718629.php [11] https://www.leparisien.fr/nos-envies/noisy-le-sec-le-film-barbie-annule-apres-menaces-de-disruption-08-08-2023-7718629.php [12] https://www.leparisien.fr/nos-envies/noisy-le-sec-le-film-barbie-annule-apres-menaces-de-disruption-08-08-2023-7718629.php [13] https://www.leparisien.fr/nos-envies/noisy-le-sec-le-film-barbie-annule-apres-menaces-de-disruption-08-08-2023-7718629.php [14] https://www.leparisien.fr/nos-envies/noisy-le-sec-le-film-barbie-annule-apres-menaces-de-disruption-08-08-2023-7718629.php [15] https://www.lefigaro.fr/culture/cinema/barbie-le-film-annule-a-noisy-le-sec-apres-menaces-de-disruption-20230808 [16] https://www.leparisien.fr/nos-envies/noisy-le-sec-le-film-barbie-annule-apres-menaces-de-disruption-08-08-2023-7718629.php
- In the midst of political disagreements, Mayor Olivier Sarrabeyrouse announced a debate following the cancellation of the Barbie movie screening, advocating for freedom of expression and cultural access.
- Amid the controversy, the denied movie screening of Barbie raised questions about social-media fueled controversies and their impact on entertainment such as movies-and-tv, politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice.
- Minister Rachida Dati slammed the cancellation of Barbie movie screening as a growing form of crime, pointing out that families and children should have equal access to entertainment like cultural activities and movies-and-tv.
