Documentary about the man dubbed “The Egyptian Jon Stewart,” Bassem Youssef who hosts the most popular television programme in the Middle East. Fight for change, freedom, equality!

Join Index on Censorship for a screening of Tickling Giants as part of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival 6-17 March.

“When you go after a joker, the joke is on you.” – Bassem Youssef, film subject, Tickling Giants

In the midst of the Egyptian Arab Spring, Youssef left his job as a heart surgeon to become a full-time comedian, and his show ‘Al-Bernameg’ (The Show) now brings in 30 million viewers per episode. In a country where freedom of speech is becoming increasingly restricted with each regime change, Youssef and his courageous staff of young writers develop creative methods to non-violently challenge abuses of power. Enduring physical threats, protests, and legal action, the team test how far they can take the joke.

Sara Taksler, 2016, Documentary, 111 minutes
Arabic, English