TICKLING GIANTS
Year: 2016
Country:
EGYPT, USA
Language:
English, Arabic
Run Time:
111 minutes
The history of democracy could not have been written without pages of satire being included. Perhaps in America we take for granted that our authority figures are to be skewered and forget there are societies where such open condemnation can get you imprisoned or even killed. TICKLING GIANTS is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the rise and fall of Dr. Bassem Youssef, “Egypt’s Jon Stewart.” Originally a heart surgeon in Cairo, Youssef’s own heart was always in comedy. During the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, Youssef noticed the media’s recounting of the protests didn’t match what was happening on the streets, so he decided to bring the reality of the streets to television. As infectious as he is determined, Youssef grows his homemade TV show into a full-fledged network staple, complete with high production values, a live studio audience, and over 30 million viewers at home (15x that of The Daily Show). But with success comes danger, and after being on the front lines for three different Egyptian leaders, Youssef and his show are threatened at every turn by a government with draconian views on free speech—regardless of who is in charge. TICKLING GIANTS is an inspiring reminder that humor will always be the weapon of the people, and leaders who can’t take a joke don’t deserve to lead. (In English and Arabic with subtitles) —T.W.
CIFF41 Screenings
Saturday, April 01, 2017 at 6:05 PM
Sunday, April 02, 2017 at 1:25 PM
- This screening is on Stand By.
Monday, April 03, 2017 at 9:20 AM
Saturday, April 08, 2017 at 9:20 AM
Sidebars
AFRICAN DIASPORA
VOICES OF THE ARAB WORLD
Genre
Recommended for High School Students +
Competitions
Reel Women Direct Award for Excellence in Directing by a Woman
Greg Gund Memorial Standing Up Competition
Director
Sara Taksler
Sara Taksler is a producer for The Daily Show, where she was in the thick of the very type of behind-the-scenes action in Youssef's show. She can talk backwards, which probably comes in handy more than you can imagine.
Filmography
"Twisted: A Balloonamentary" (2007), TICKLING GIANTS (2016)
Producers
Sara Taksler, Frederic Rose, Maziar Bahari, Monica Hampton
Cinematography
Wail Gzoly
Editing
Jamie Canobbio, Tom Vogt, Tyler H. Walk
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