In what may be a hint towards a more hardline approach to on-screen sex and homosexuality in the new Egypt, the censorship committee of the 35th Cairo International Film Festival has banned a movie dealing with gay themes, along with two others, one of which dealt with adultery and the other had scenes of sex and nudity.
Previously contentious films have been allowed into the festival, although those with sex were normally only shown to critics and journalists. While Al-Ahram reported the news, they weren’t able to find out exactly which movies have been banned.
Although homosexuality isn’t illegal in Egypt, the authorities have certainly made it difficult for gay people, often targeting them under public order and morals laws. While the Muslim Botherhood, which won recent elections in the country, has embraced democracy, the likelihood of them making life easier for gay people seems unlikely, and some wonder whether banning the film was due to pressure from the government.
The 35th Cairo International Film Festival is one of the most important cinematic events in the Arab world and is set to take place in late November this year.
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