Tickling Giants

Uniting Egypt through Laughter in Tumultuous Times

Dr. Bassem Youssef made a decision that's every mother's worst nightmare - he left his job as a heart surgeon to become a full-time comedian.

Dubbed "The Egyptian Jon Stewart," Bassem creates the most viewed television program in the Middle East. He has 30 million viewers per episode, compared to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart's 2 million viewers. In a country where free speech is not settled law, Bassem comes up with creative ways to non-violently challenge abuses of power. He endures physical threats, protests, and legal action - all because of his politically charged jokes.

No unicorns or falafel were harmed in the making of this film.

Nominated for Best Documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival

"In an era when an American president rages over how he's depicted on 'Saturday Night Live' and obsesses about quelling critical 'fake news,' this is one relevant film." - Zosia Bielski, Globe and Mail

"Mostly, the movie makes you understand how every society - and ours more than ever - needs people like Bassem Youssef to demonstrate that laughter will always be one of the essential ways to keep power in check." - Owen Gleiberman, Variety