Russia may say nyet to ‘Borat’
“Borat” may be banned in Russia.
A government agency said it would refuse to grant permission for Sacha Baron Cohen’s controversial comedy “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” to be shown in theaters in neighboring Russia, its distributor said Thursday.
The Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography said the film could offend some viewers and contained material that “might seem disparaging in relation to certain ethnic groups and religions,” according to Vadim Ivanov, theatrical sales director at 20th Century Fox C.I.S.
Ivanov said he hoped the agency would relent and that the film would premiere in Russia as scheduled on Nov. 30. “Borat” was the top movie in the United States in its debut last weekend, pulling in $26.5 million.
Russia has close political ties with Kazakhstan, whose officials -- and citizens -- have seethed at the depiction of their country.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
