The release of the first Arabic movie by the world's leading streaming service has set off a storm of controversy. While the film is based on a classic novel by an Iranian writer, many in the Arab world are outraged by the fact that its depiction of Arabs violates traditional norms of the culture. This is just one of the reasons why the government has deemed the film to be a distraction and has vowed to stop it from being aired.

The film's portrayal of Arabs violates the country's conservative norms

Netflix's first Arabic film has ignited a firestorm of controversy in Egypt. The series revolves around teenagers in a private school in Amman, Jordan. Its controversial portrayal of Arabs violates the country's conservative norms, the movie's critics say.

Egyptian media have reported on the controversy. A member of the parliament asked authorities to stop co-operation with Netflix and asked the minister of culture to ban the film. Another MP complained that the movie was spreading deviant ideas.

Some critics claimed the film promotes homosexuality and suggested a foreign conspiracy was behind the controversy. But the film defended itself with an appeal to moderate voices. In addition, the film's cast included an Egyptian actress.

After the film's release, conservatives and religious activists accused it of promoting a "demonic" ideology and demanded its removal from Egyptian screens. Others attacked actors who praised the film.

In response, a film producer said the criticism was misguided. He compared it to an attempt to distract the public's attention from more serious issues.

The film, however, was widely praised by its fans. Entertainment bloggers called it an antidote to the grim news roiling the volatile region.

While some critics criticized the film, others said it pushed cultural boundaries by inviting honest conversation about relatable topics. Those in support of the series emphasized the right to decide what you watch.

The film's makers declare that it is an exact remake of the original work

The first Arabic movie on Netflix has sparked a morality row in Egypt. According to conservatives, the film promotes homosexuality, perversion and deviant ideas. This prompted one Egyptian MP to complain to the Speaker of the Parliament.

Al Azhar, Egypt's religious authority, has warned against "normalization" of sexuality and sexual orientation in society. Some critics suggested that the film is part of a foreign conspiracy to normalize promiscuity, sex and homosexuality.

However, film fans have defended the movie, saying that the film addressed relatable topics. They say it promoted the idea that brokenness is beautiful. It also prompted honest conversations about universally-relatable issues.

In Egypt, the controversy prompted a smear campaign against actress Mona Zaki. Some people attacked her for participating in the film, while others accused her real-life husband of allowing her to play the role.

After the film was released, the Syndicate of Acting Professions came out in support of Zaki. It issued a statement four days after the movie's release, highlighting the right to free expression.

Ashab Wala A'az, the first Arabic film produced by Netflix, quickly became the most streamed film in Egypt. However, it sparked debates on social media. The film features several well-known Lebanese actors.

Info: مسلسلات تركية

The government's attempt to divert public attention from pressing issues

In a region where sexuality is considered taboo, the first Arabic-language Netflix film has sparked controversy. The movie "Perfect Strangers" has received heavy criticism from conservatives in the Middle East. They accuse the film of promoting homosexuality and infidelity.

Critics also complain that the film's depiction of same-sex relationships is not appropriate for Arab society. It is also alleged that the film's plot disrupts family values.

One of the most high-profile critics of the film is Egyptian actress Mona Zaki. She was the subject of a smear campaign. Many of her critics claimed that she had "shamelessly" participated in the movie.

Perfect Strangers was also criticized for exposing the private lives of its characters. This led to a social backlash. Some critics suggested that a foreign conspiracy was aiming to normalize teenage sex, promiscuity and homosexuality.

Meanwhile, a lawmaker called for an urgent meeting to discuss the controversy. He complained that the film is damaging family values and undermines the moral code of the entire region.

In the Middle East, the debate about the movie has shifted into mainstream media. One of the most cited videos is of a crying Muna Zaki when she announced her divorce.

However, many prominent actors and actresses have spoken out in support of the film. A lawmaker in the country's parliament, Mostafa Bakry, has called for a special session to debate the issue.

Source: مسلسلات عربية