In the midst of the Egyptian Arab Spring, Bassem Youssef makes a decision that’s every mother’s worst nightmare… he leaves his job as a heart surgeon to become a full-time comedian. Dubbed, “The Egyptian Jon Stewart,” Bassem creates the satirical show, Al Bernameg. The weekly program quickly becomes the most viewed television program in the Middle East, with 30 million viewers per episode. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart averaged 2 million viewers. In a country where free speech is not settled law, Bassem’s show becomes as controversial as it is popular. “Tickling Giants” follows the team of Al Bernameg as they discover democracy is not easily won. The young women and men working on Bassem’s show are fearless revolutionaries, who just happen to be really, really funny. No unicorns or falafel were harmed in the making of this film.

Our guest speaker, Shirin Elkoshairi, is a community leader in Clark County. He has been a sideline activist for years but increased his level of activism after returning from Egypt and realizing how easy it was for people to be silenced if they don’t take action. He is also part of the following organizations: Faith Action Network (FAN), Interfaith Clergy of Vancouver, Indivisible Greater Vancouver Member, Board of Directors of the Islamic Society of SW Washington, and Member of the 18th LD Democrats.

This showing, as always, is free to the public. Snacks, beer, wine, tea available for purchase.  Doors open at 6:15pm, previews start at 6:45pm, film at 7pm.