Lebanon bans horror film ‘Annabelle 2: Creation’
DAMMAM: Lebanon has reportedly banned the new US supernatural horror film “Annabelle 2: Creation” right before it was scheduled to premiere across the country.
According to Lebanese daily An-Nahar, Christian clerics expressed their objection to some scenes in the films, and movie theaters were asked to put it on hold until further discussion.
StepFeed reported a Cinemacity representative as saying that the film has been definitively blocked and will not be screened in the country.
It was reportedly screened for the General Security’s Censorship Bureau earlier this month, after which it was passed on to the censorship committee.
The committee convened to assess the film on Thursday, the same day it was set to hit the screens.
According to An-Nahar, the head of the Christian media committee, Father Abdu Abu Kasm, as well as Father Athanasius Shahwan, were present in the censorship committee’s screening.
After the broadcast, Shahwan demanded that the film be blocked over scenes that are considered offensive to the Christian faith.
“Stop the movie immediately,” he reportedly said.
While the country has not officially declared a ban, cinemas have since been asked not to screen the film until officials discuss the matter and issue a final decision.
The well-reviewed horror sequel and modestly budgeted “Annabelle 2: Creation” found eager audiences in the US, where it dominated the box office, pulling in $35 million in its first week out.
The fourth instalment in the popular “Conjuring” franchise stars Stephanie Sigman, Talitha Bateman, Miranda Otto, Lulu Wilson and Anthony LaPaglia.
The film revolves around a demonic doll and is directed by David Sandberg.