Tickling Giants - Bassem Youssef (Trailer)

Feature Documentary

This documentary tells the story of the rise of Bassem Youssef from heart surgeon to the host of the Arab world's most popular TV show, the satirical talk show, 'El Bernameg', and his subsequent fall from grace, following the military coup of 2013.

Youssef's show was the first in Egypt to pioneer political satire and, in particular, he became popular for poking fun at the Muslim Brotherhood during their rule. However, his material could be sexist, class-ist and/or able-ist, whilst his mockery of the Muslim Brotherhood contributed to the group's demonisation, paving the way for their removal by the military on 3 July 2013.

In many ways, Youssef's career reflects the ups and downs of the Egyptian revolution. This film is available through video-streaming service Netflix.

Directed by Sara Taksler

Gravitas Ventures

Standard YouTube License

Arabic/English

Documentary film

29/11/2016