Political and geographical inaccuracy to possibly prevent a ‘Barbie’ screening in the Philippines
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board has stated that they are currently reviewing Warner Brothers’ request to permit the screening of the upcoming Hollywood film ‘Barbie’ in Philippine theaters.
According to their statement, “We confirm that the Board has reviewed the film ‘Barbie’ today, 04 July 2023. At this time, the assigned Committee on First Review is deliberating on the request of Warner Brothers F.E. Inc. for a Permit to Exhibit.”
This comes after senators urged to ban the showing of the film centered around the iconic Mattel doll ‘Barbie’ due to a scene allegedly depicting China’s nine-dash-line claim over the South China Sea.
The very map can be seen in the uploaded trailer on the official Warner Bros. Pictures Youtube account at the 2:41 minute mark, with the scene of blonde Barbie and lead actor Margot Robbie talking to ‘Weird Barbie’ played by Kate McKinnon about the real world outside Barbie Land. What was shown was a child’s drawing of the world map, depicting Asia as a single landmass, without any mention of China or the Philippines.
The movie “Barbie” became embroiled in controversy after it was prohibited in Vietnam due to a scene displaying a map depicting China’s unilaterally claimed territory in the South China Sea.
The film, directed by Greta Gerwig, is set to hit Philippine cinemas on July 19, 2023.
