Minister of Culture Mohamed Saber Arab said the Azhar religious edict banning the screening of the film ‘Noah’ is not binding to the ministry. He added that the screening issue is still being mulled by the ministry given that the movie is a creative work of art that should undergo review based on artistic standards, with respect to Azhar.
Azhar had earlier banned any artistic works that embody the prophets saying this violates teachings of Islam.
The Supreme Council of Culture confirmed last week that the Constitution states that banning artistic works is in the hands of the regulatory authorities.
The movie, starring Russell Crowe and directed by Darren Aronofsky, was banned in the United Arab Emirates.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
