The Atheist Film: Controversy and Censorship

Art critic Tarek El-Shennawy has stated that the film “The Atheist” has already obtained a censorship license and its private screening is scheduled for today, Tuesday, in preparation for its public screening the following day.

Controversy and Censorship

El-Shennawy added that someone may have contacted producer Ahmed El-Sobky and verbally asked him to postpone the screening of the movie, but there is no official document to that effect.

In response to a question about whether social media played a role in stirring up controversy over the film, El-Shennawy said: “It is clear that social media plays a very negative role in moving our lives. It is not public opinion. It is an uncontrolled voice that is always harsh and violates honor, and has doubts about everything.”

The Film’s Author and Censorship

El-Shennawy referred to the position on the works of the film’s author, Ibrahim Eissa, saying: “His positions and opinions that he announces in his programs made people consider that the film promotes atheism, and of course they forgot that censorship in any Arab country cannot approve a film that promotes atheism, and logic says that censorship may have approved a film that shows an atheist, and atheism exists in Egypt, Arab countries and all over the world with varying proportions.”

Producer’s Defense

Producer Ahmed El Sobky defended the film “The Atheist” after the attack it was subjected to following the release of the film’s promo, explaining that the reason for the attack goes back to the film’s author, Ibrahim Eissa, as we always find people attacking him continuously.

El Sobky said during a TV interview with media figure Nahal Tayel on the “Details” program, broadcast on “Sada El Balad 2” channel: “I want to ask a question. If someone other than Ibrahim Eissa had written the film, would the film have been attacked? Those who are attacking are well-known and we will not mention their names. They are not attacking the film, they are attacking the author himself. The work does not attack the Islamic religion. Okay, guys, why don’t you watch the first film and then attack it.”

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the film “The Atheist” has sparked a heated debate about censorship and freedom of expression in Egypt. While some argue that the film promotes atheism and should be banned, others believe that it is a work of art that should be allowed to be shown to the public.

FAQs

Q: Is the film “The Atheist” banned?
A: No, the film has not been banned. It has been postponed for two weeks to complete the mixing and editing work.

Q: Why was the film postponed?
A: The film was postponed to allow for the completion of the mixing and editing work.

Q: Who is the author of the film “The Atheist”?
A: The film is written by Ibrahim Eissa.

Q: Who is the director of the film “The Atheist”?
A: The film is directed by Mohamed El Adl.

Q: Who are the stars of the film “The Atheist”?
A: The film stars Ahmed Hatem, Mahmoud Hemeida, Sabreen, Sherine Reda, Hussein Fahmy, Naglaa Badr, and others.