Noisy-le-Sec: residents block the projection of “barbie” outdoors

The city of Noisy-le-Sec (Seine-Saint-Denis) canceled on Friday the broadcast on a giant screen of the film “Barbie” because of “pressures” of inhabitants, causing a controversy which made react Wednesday to the Minister of Culture.

“I deplore that a small group in the district mobilized its energy under the pressure of an individual to prevent the projection of this film, however classified all audiences in France,” wrote Olivier Sarrabeyrouse, PCF mayor of the city, in a press release released on the site of the town and on Facebook.

“Between a dozen and fifteen individuals surrounded the agents,” said the mayor to AFP. “If you install, we dismantle everything and put an end to your session,” they threatened, “he continued.

“According to them, the film apology for homosexuality and undermines the integrity of women. It is a form of moral censorship, ”continues the mayor. “I did not give in to pressure, I acted as responsible mayor for the security of agents and families,” insisted the mayor with AFP, castigating the recovery of the controversy by the extreme right.

Directed by Greta Gerwig, the film is a feminist satire which sees Barbie, interpreted by Margot Robbie, discovering the misogyny of the real world. The film has established itself as the world box office champion, with $ 1.4 billion in revenue.

“Still a serious damage to the programming depriving families and children of a cultural activity. For the past year, I have taken firm measures against these serious attacks which have become a new form of delinquency. A complaint is underway, “said Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture. The complaint will be filed for “hindering the exercise of the freedom of dissemination of artistic creation,” the ministry told AFP. According to the mayor, the film, which was to be broadcast at 9:00 p.m. on Friday in the Londeau district, had been previously chosen by the inhabitants.

The projection was part of “cinema under the stars”, a free summer program of outdoor films which takes place each year in intercommunality is together, of which Noisy-le-Sec is part. In 2024, the film “Le Ballon d’Or” had been screened without incident.

“It is once again the families and the children who do not go on vacation who are deprived of these precious moments of conviviality and culture during the summer,” reacted on X Aurélie found, rebellious deputy for the constituency. “Culture must remain an emancipation, unity and opening tool for all. It cannot be confiscated ”.

“I will not tolerate cultural laws in our city,” said Olivier Sarrabeyrouse in his statement, announcing a complaint. This will be deposited Thursday morning for endangering public service agents and threats, said the mayor.