Noah. Middle East ban

Censorship authorities in Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates told Paramount that they intend to ban the screening of the film Noah, which starts at the box office in late March.





And the studio reports that the same fate awaits Noah in other countries of the Middle East - in Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait.



The story of Noah’s Ark is important in both Christian and Islamic tradition.

In Egypt, representatives of the Al-Azhar Muslim-Sunni Institute issued a statement condemning the film directed by Darren Aronofsky, insisting on the ban of Noah in the country.

“Al-Azhar declares his categorical position on any films in which the characters are the Prophets and Messengers of Allah, as well as the Companions of the Prophet [Mohammad],” the statement said. Al-Azhar therefore announces a ban on a future film about the Messenger of Allah Noah - peace be upon his dust.
Egyptians believe that all such films “contradict the faith and the foundations of Shariah [law]” and hurt the “feelings of believers.”



Inappropriate from the point of view of Muslims depiction of the relationship of Sim (Douglas Booth), son of Noah, and girlfriend Ila (Emma Watson), adopted daughter of Noah

"Noah" was set to premiere in Egypt on March 26, two days before its U.S. premiere, where the film also suffered criticism from some church leaders.



Darren Aronofsky (right), director of the famous films Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan and Life of Pi, this time will have to fight religious stereotypes.

American believers are unhappy with the way the film depicts the character of Patriarch Noah, played by Russell Crowe.

In a gesture of goodwill to religious groups, Paramount last week announced changes to marketing material for the film.

The new ad should make it clear that this is a loose interpretation, not a literal film version of the story of Noah’s Ark.