Israel Matzav

Three Muslim countries ban 'Noah,' more likely to follow

Three Muslim countries have banned the movie Noah, which is based on the biblical story. More are likely to follow.

Censorship boards in Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have confirmed to Paramount Pictures that they will not release the film, which stars Russell Crowe and begins its global release later this month.

Jordan, Kuwait and Egypt are expected to follow suit, stating that the movie offends Islamic teaching and the “feelings of the faithful” with its dark representation of a holy figure.

Al-Azhar, Egypt’s leading Sunni Muslim institute, criticised Noah in a statement on Thursday, arguing that the £75 million movie should be banned in the country.

“Al-Azhar renews its rejection to the screening of any production that characterizes Allah’s prophets and messengers and the companions of the Prophet (Muhammad),” the message read.

“Therefore, Al-Azhar announces the prohibition of the upcoming film about the Allah’s messenger Noah – peace be upon him.”

Paramount is unsurprised that Noah is facing difficulties in Muslim countries, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The studio has agreed to edit the film’s promotional materials to include a disclaimer making it clear that this is an imaginative adaptation of the Bible story, not a literal one.

“While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide,” Paramount’s statement reads.

Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins and Logan Lerman also feature in Noah, based on the Book of Genesis story in which Noah builds an ark to save his family and pairs of animals from the great flood. In the Koran, a whole chapter is devoted to him as a holy messenger.

Here's the trailer for Noah. Let's go to the videotape.

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Labels: censorship, Islam, movies, Muslims, Noah's Ark

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 12:14 AM