Eastern Kentucky University is among a handful of colleges and universities receiving a grant to host “Tickling Giants,” an award-winning documentary highlighting the life of a comedian who has been called Egypt’s version of Jon Stewart.
The EKU chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, and the Asian Studies Program will host the screening on Wednesday, April 26, at 4 p.m. in Ferrell Auditorium of the Combs Building.
Pre-registration for this free event is helpful to ensure seating. All are invited. To pre-register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tickling-giants-eastern-kentucky-university-registration-32538697119.
During the Egyptian Arab Spring, Bassem Youssef left his job as a heart surgeon to become a comic and created the satirical show, “Al Bernameg.” The weekly program quickly became the most viewed television show in the Middle East, with 30 million viewers per episode. (“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” averaged about 2 million viewers.)
He and his staff endure physical threats, protests, and legal action, all because of jokes. As Youssef 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. Despite increasing danger, the team at “Al Bernameg” employ comedy, not violence, to comment on hypocrisy in media, politics and religion.
“Tickling Giants” follows the “Al Bernameg” team as it discovers democracy is not easily won. The documentary is produced by Sara Taskler, who also was a senior producer of “The Daily Show.”
The program is part of EKU’s First Amendment Week, which is sponsored by the Department of Communication and the Department of Government and Economics.
To watch the trailer, visit bit.ly/2hSoBHe.