The first Arabic movie on Netflix has ignited outrage in Egypt due to allegations of immorality and compromising traditional values. The film encompasses conversations about sexual experiences and extramarital affairs, as well as scenes of characters consuming alcohol. Set in Lebanon, the film is a remake of the 2016 popular Italian film Perfect Strangers. Egyptian actors and film reviewers have shown their support for the film.
The film commemorates the story of a group of friends in Lebanon who one night play a game in which they make all of their phone calls and text messages viewable to one another, unearthing numerous secrets and scandals. While it was certain to become a substantial talking point and push limits by having a gay character. And other stories pondered forbidden and rarely dealt with explicitly on television in many Middle Eastern nations. Few comprehended the initial flood of controversy it would elicit.
Mona Zaki, one of the film’s female actors, has been the subject of a scathing online crusade
Mustafa Bakry, an Egyptian parliamentarian, and well-known television journalist, acknowledged he had protested about the filmmakers to the Egyptian parliament’s speaker. Bakry called on the administration of Egypt to stop working with Netflix. Homosexuality is not formally forbidden in Egypt, unlike in the Gulf countries. But there is less acceptance in society. However, with the ferocious backlash has come a deluge of support for the film. With many people applauding both the storyline for bringing up real-life issues and the production itself while impeaching those who are assaulting it.
As per the Al-Watan website, Egyptian lawyer Ayman Mahfouz has documented a lawsuit against the filmmakers. Accusing them of “promoting homosexuality.” The assertion is most likely linked to the film’s inclusion of a gay character. According to the Cairo 24 website, Mahfouz said he had also sent a legal warning to the ministry of culture to restrict movie’s broadcasting in Egypt.
Mona Zaki, one of the film’s female actors, has been the subject of a scathing online crusade. Over a scene in which she is removing her panties. With over 17,000 comments, Arabic hashtags including the actress’s and film’s names were among the top trends in Egypt. Zaki received backing from Egyptian actress Elham Shahin who described her as “a mature, honest artist with tremendous performance.”