Tickling Giants Screening – Profiling the Egyptian Jon Stewart

On March 24 at 7:00 p.m., First Parish in Wayland will host a screening of Tickling Giants, the story of Bassem Youssef, dubbed the Jon Stewart of Egypt. The film was directed by Sara Taksler, a senior producer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. This showing is part of an international effort to spark dialogue about the abuse of power, free speech, and how we treat Muslims.

In the midst of the Egyptian Arab Spring, Youssef makes a decision that is every mother’s worst nightmare. He leaves his job as a heart surgeon to become a full-time comedian. Bassem creates the satirical show, Al Bernameg. The weekly program quickly becomes the most viewed television program in the Middle East, with 30 million viewers per episode. (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart averaged two million viewers.)

In a country where free speech is not settled law, Bassem’s show becomes as controversial as it popular. He and his staff must endure physical threats, protests, and legal action, all because of jokes. As Bassem attempts to remain on the air, keep his staff safe, and not get arrested, he continues to let those in power know they’re being held accountable.

Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the Eventbrite page. All proceeds and any additional donations will go to support CAIR, the Council of American Islamic Relations, in Massachusetts. CAIR supports the civil rights of Muslims in the U.S. For more information, email Sam Teitel, steitel@uuwayland.org.

Flyer online here.

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