“Barbie” Screening Canceled in Noisy-le-Sec Under Pressure
Outdoor Film Screening Called Off Following Threats
The town of Noisy-le-Sec, located in the Seine-Saint-Denis department near Paris, was forced to cancel an open-air screening of the film Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, after facing verbal threats from a small group of young individuals opposing the event. Communist mayor Olivier Sarrabeyrouse condemned the incident, denouncing what he described as “manipulative arguments rooted in obscurantism” pushed by a vocal minority within the community.
The complimentary screening was scheduled for Friday, August 15 at 9 p.m. as part of the “Les Estivales de Noisy” summer festival in the Londeau neighborhood. According to the mayor, 10 to 15 individuals surrounded municipal staff setting up the venue, issuing direct threats: “If you go ahead with this, we’ll tear everything down and stop the screening.” Opponents claimed the film promoted “homosexuality” and undermined “the integrity of women.” The mayor criticized the ideological manipulation at play, asserting the protesters likely hadn’t even seen the film, which in fact critiques patriarchal structures within a largely heteronormative framework.
Community Support and Official Response
The film selection had originated from a public consultation, particularly involving residents of the Londeau district. “This is a form of moral censorship,” Mayor Sarrabeyrouse stated in a Facebook post announcing that the city had filed a complaint for “endangering public employees” and making threats. He labeled the individuals behind the pressure as “thugs” with politically motivated intentions.
The Ministry of Culture also took legal action, filing a complaint for “obstruction of creative and artistic freedom.” Culture Minister Rachida Dati (Les Républicains) condemned what she called a “serious new attack on cultural programming, depriving families and children of a shared artistic moment.” She reiterated her commitment to addressing such ideological intimidation, describing it as a modern form of delinquency encroaching upon cultural freedoms.
Political Condemnation Across Party Lines
The incident sparked widespread political condemnation. From the left, Aurélie Trouvé, MP for La France Insoumise–Nouveau Front Populaire in Seine-Saint-Denis, voiced her outrage: “Once again, families and children are being deprived of community experiences and access to culture. I stand with the mayor and the threatened public workers. Culture must remain a tool for empowerment, unity, and openness.”
On the right, Republican Senator Valérie Boyer pointed to the growing influence of religious fundamentalism, claiming that “Islamist extremists are enforcing strong and effective social control” and accused the communist mayor of yielding to their demands. Mayor Sarrabeyrouse strongly refuted the charge: “I did not give in to pressure. I acted as a responsible mayor concerned for the safety of our staff and families.” He condemned what he called “a small group exploiting the situation in an attempt to sabotage our municipal initiatives in the lead-up to the elections.”
Latest LGBTQIA+ News
Stay updated with the most recent developments from the LGBTQIA+ community around the globe. Find news, stories, and inclusive perspectives on social issues, equality, and queer culture through our dedicated coverage. At Queer Vibes Mag, we’re committed to bringing you accurate, impactful, and inspiring content that uplifts voices and fosters a world of acceptance and respect.
Welcome to our LGBTQIA+ news section—your go-to space for fresh insights, breaking stories, and pivotal moments that shape queer identities and lives across the globe. We invite you to explore, reflect, and express your thoughts as we build an inclusive information space together.
Español 
English
Deja una respuesta