The United Arab Emirates Media Regulation Office announced that it had not granted the necessary license to display the animated film “Lightyear” because it violated media content standards in the country.
The film was scheduled to be shown in UAE cinemas on June 17.
The office confirmed that all films shown in cinemas in the country are subject to follow-up and evaluation before they are shown to the public to ensure the integrity of the circulated content according to the appropriate age classification.
The ban came after the uproar caused by the film due to its presentation of gay characters, as activists on the communication platforms launched a campaign calling for the prevention of showing work that promotes “homosexuality” among children.
The hashtag “Ban-Lighter_In_UAE” was issued on Twitter, accompanied by publications criticizing the work produced by the American company Disney in cooperation with the “Pixar” company, which is trying to pass messages that activists considered a danger to the next generation.
Writer Ahmed Khalifa tweeted, “The scenario of passing on the idea of homosexuality “the effeminate” began as personal freedom… As for the despicableness of presenting the disease of homosexuality in a film targeting 7-year-old children, this is a crime against childhood, values, religion and everything that is human…”
Tweeters also called for “protecting future youth from slipping into this current that will destroy Sheikh Zayed’s vision.”
Tweeters praised the step taken by the Media Regulatory Authority by announcing that the film was banned in response to activists’ calls, calling on the authority to continue to play its oversight role to prevent “such destructive materials” from being shown.
The film “Light Year”, directed by Angus MacLean, revolves around the young astronaut “Bose” who tries to return to Earth with his crew safely using a spaceship. During the journey, the team faces a number of difficulties and dangers that they are trying to overcome.
The character “Pose” is a famous character in the Disney world, as he previously appeared in the movie “Toy Story”, which achieved great fame and won the Oscar for Best Animated Film.