Tickling Giants Uniting Egypt through Laughter in Tumultuous Times
Dr. Bassem Youssef made a decision that's every mother's worst nightmare - he left his job as a heart surgeon to become a full-time comedian.
Dubbed "The Egyptian Jon Stewart," Bassem creates the most viewed television program in the Middle East. He has 30 million viewers per episode, compared to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart's 2 million viewers. In a country where free speech is not settled law, Bassem comes up with creative ways to non-violently challenge abuses of power. He endures physical threats, protests, and legal action - all because of his politically charged jokes.
No unicorns or falafel were harmed in the making of this film.
Nominated for Best Documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival
"In an era when an American president rages over how he's depicted on 'Saturday Night Live' and obsesses about quelling critical 'fake news,' this is one relevant film." - Zosia Bielski, Globe and Mail
"Mostly, the movie makes you understand how every society - and ours more than ever - needs people like Bassem Youssef to demonstrate that laughter will always be one of the essential ways to keep power in check." - Owen Gleiberman, Variety
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Comments (6)
It's hard to believe that 96.8% of Egyptians relish being too frightened to speak in other than glowing terms about their Benevolent Dictator in taxis & cafes for fear of arrest or disappearance. But. When the quintessential grope-y, scheming, morally/financially/intellectually bankrupt, ...Read more
It's hard to believe that 96.8% of Egyptians relish being too frightened to speak in other than glowing terms about their Benevolent Dictator in taxis & cafes for fear of arrest or disappearance. But. When the quintessential grope-y, scheming, morally/financially/intellectually bankrupt, downtown fatcat who's lurked with serial pedophiles & psychotic clowns in the seedy basement of public opinion as a charter member can garner a "majority" in a legitimate election, it's tough to fault Egypt for permitting the "election" of a military strongman in its name.
Read lessFor those of us who don't live in Egypt, it may be hard to understand just how difficult it is for Bassem to do what he does, this movie shines a light on how freedom of speech isn't as easy there as it is for most North Americans. Watch this and then appreciate the freedoms we do have and ...Read more
For those of us who don't live in Egypt, it may be hard to understand just how difficult it is for Bassem to do what he does, this movie shines a light on how freedom of speech isn't as easy there as it is for most North Americans. Watch this and then appreciate the freedoms we do have and laugh a little along the way.
Read lessSarcasm >enables free speech ^
Such a thought-provoking and eye opening documentary that is so relevant. Definitely makes you take a step back and appreciate the value of freedom of speech.
A really interesting insight into the political situation in Egypt. A lot of parallels to the current situation in many other countries today that emphasizes the importance of a free media and vibrant freedom of speech. Very well made documentary. Bassem Yousef is incredibly funny. I would ...Read more
A really interesting insight into the political situation in Egypt. A lot of parallels to the current situation in many other countries today that emphasizes the importance of a free media and vibrant freedom of speech. Very well made documentary. Bassem Yousef is incredibly funny. I would love to check back in a while for an update on how things pan out there and Bassem's future
Read lessThe film is just as funny and charming as Bassem Youssef himself and is more relevant than ever to the culture and politics in the US.