Tickling Giants

Tickling Giants is a riveting and insightful documentary from 2016, directed by Sara Taksler. The film is an extraordinary examination of media, humor and politics, detailing the story of Bassem Youssef, a heart surgeon who became the "Jon Stewart of Egypt," and using his wit and satire to challenge authority in a time of political turmoil in his country.

Bassem Youssef, a renowned cardiac surgeon turned comedy show host, is the focal point of this intricate tale of humor and defiance. Tickling Giants outlines Youssef's unexpected journey into the world of satire when he decided to leave the operating room for the television studio during the 2011 Egyptian revolution. Inspired by Jon Stewart's The Daily Show, Youssef created Al Bernameg – the inaugural political satire show in Egypt.

Throughout his incredible journey, the documentary eloquently captures Youssef's ability to use humor as a weapon against the oppressive regime, pointing out inconsistencies, challenging beliefs, and daring to question those in power. With his razor-sharp wit and biting satire, Youssef draws comparisons to Jon Stewart, who also appears in the film, both for his innovative brand of comedy and the controversies he stirs in a politically polarized environment.

Tickling Giants, however, is not just about the jokes and laughter. It also delves deep into the complexities of practicing free speech and the critical questioning of authority in a society where such acts are often met with hostility and persecution. The film beautifully chronicles Youssef's trials and tribulations as he negotiates his precarious existence between being a comedy show host and a beacon of free speech in an increasingly autocratic regime.

The director, Sara Taksler, a senior producer of The Daily Show, brings her understanding of satirical news programs to the project, painting a vivid picture of behind-the-scenes on Youssef's show – “Al Bernameg.” The film skillfully balances the humor of Youssef's satire with the seriousness of the political situation in Egypt, giving the audience an entertaining yet potent look at the essential role of satire in challenging political power.

Tickling Giants also features other notable figures alongside Bassem Youssef and Jon Stewart, such as Shadi Alfons. Alfons, a popular comedian and actor in Egypt, was part of Youssef's team in "Al Bernameg" where he often hilariously imitated political figures and public personalities. His portrayal helps the film uncover the nuances of the bold and often risky world of political satire.

The title of the film, Tickling Giants, is itself a metaphor for what Youssef did: tickle the sleeping giant of political and societal autocracy, awaken it, and provoke it into revealing its true colors. Through its intimate depiction of Youssef's endeavors, the film embodies the spirit of resistance against autocracy, oppression, and the curtailment of freedom of expression.

This documentary serves as a potent reminder of the influential power of humor in fostering dialogue, promoting transparency, and challenging political authoritarianism. At its heart, Tickling Giants is an inspiring and revealing film about one man's courage to laugh in the face of danger and an affirming testament to the power of satire as a form of political dissent. Taksler presents an impactful story about bold creativity in the face of censorship and repression.

Tickling Giants culminates as a fascinating exploration of free speech boundary-pushing in a society where such actions are not generally tolerated. It takes viewers on an emotional roller coaster, leaving them with a sense of empowered defiance and a newfound appreciation for the ability of humor to catalyze sociopolitical change.

From breathtakingly hilarious moments to deeply harrowing situations, Tickling Giants essentially encapsulates the balance of comedy and courage, humor and heart, laughter and liberation. This is a film that truly catapults the concept of standing up against autocracy to new, iconic heights, all with a smile and a satirical wit that can only be described as revolutionary.