Following the Arab Spring and in need of a laugh, Dr. Bassem Youssef left heart surgery to try his hand at comedy. "Al Bernameg", the first political satire show in Egypt, had 30 million weekly viewers. TICKLING GIANTS shows that comedy can be cathartic. This movie shows people who fight oppression with their jokes, not their fists.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Sara Taksler

Watch Tickling Giants on Prime Video, Google Play and Vimeo on demand

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I met Bassem in 2012, when he visited The Daily Show. I'm a Senior Producer and I met Bassem when he and some staff members came to observe our show before their show went live. People always ask me what it's like to be a female producer at a comedy show, so I was at first intrigued because this charismatic guy had shown up with two Egyptian female producers. I was curious what it would be like to be my counterpart in the Middle East. And I was blown away by what all of them were doing. They did the same job I do every day, but with such higher stakes .

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

At a recent screening, someone told me, "This movie is a cautionary tale for the United States." And, this morning on Facebook, I saw an Egyptian friend post, "Why does the US insist on turning into Egypt?" For a Western audience, Tickling Giants is a way to laugh and learn about what is going on in our world right now. And, hopefully to feel inspired to figure out how to start Tickling Giants in your own community.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

This story happens to take place with the backdrop of the Arab Spring, but the themes are universal. We all know what it's like to see an abuse of power, at some level. And we all have wondered how we would step up to the plate when challenged. This is a story of a guy who really steps up. It's a Cinderella story gone awry.

Bassem interviewing people at Mohamed Mahmoud Street in November 2011.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

The story changed tremendously. I kept thinking I had a happy ending and then the show would switch networks or get cancelled. It had nine lives. Until it didn't.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I have been blown away by audience reactions. We've been lucky to sell out screenings and get standing ovations in screenings around the world. It's been incredible.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The biggest surprise has been that people on the left and the right have both been equally passionate about fighting to defend free speech. I knew liberals and Daily Show fans would have a good shot at liking the movie. But I've been genuinely shocked by how supportive conservative audiences have been.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I want as many people to know this story as possible. My goal is for people to watch the movie and then have a dialogue about creative, non-violent ways to fight the abuse of power.

**Bassem visits The Daily Show in June 2012.**

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

I am looking to find a publicist right now, to work with for our theatrical run. I am also hoping journalists everywhere will write about the film and help spread our message.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I hope people will look at this movie and realize, when we talk about Muslim immigrants and refugees, these are the people we're talking about. Bassem and his team are not scary. They are just normal, funny people living through a tough time. I also hope Tickling Giants becomes a term people come to use to describe a situation, when they are confronting a bully in a creative, non-violent way.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

What is a time you're proud of, when you stood up to an abuse of power? What is a time you regret, when you saw someone taking advantage and did not speak up?

Would you like to add anything else?

Thanks for the interview!

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Bassem Youssef live in California and is currently developing movies and TV shows. Sara Taksler is a Senior Producer at The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.

Interview: February 2017

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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TICKLING GIANTS

Following the Arab Spring and in need of a laugh, Dr. Bassem Youssef left heart surgery to try his hand at comedy. "Al Bernameg", the first political satire show in Egypt, had 30 million weekly viewers. TICKLING GIANTS shows that comedy can be cathartic. This movie shows people who fight oppression with their jokes, not their fists.

Length: 111 minutes

Presented by Sarkasmos Productions LLC in association with Technicolor

Directed, Produced, Written and Executive Produced by Sara Taksler

Produced by: Frederic Rose, Maziar Bahari and Monica Hampton

Executive Producers: Technicolor and Hassan Elmasry

Starring: Bassem Youssef, Jon Stewart, Andeel, Miral El Desoki, Tarek AIQazzaz and Hend Radwan

Key cast: BASSEM YOUSSEF During the Arab Spring in 2011, Bassem was treating injured protesters in Tahrir Square. His friend suggested they start a YouTube show and Bassem insisted on mimicking his idol, Jon Stewart. In a very short time, he’s transforming from an unknown private citizen to one of the most famous people in the world.

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
NORTH AMERICAN SALES AGENT: CINETIC MEDIA JOHN SLOSS / LINZEE TROUBH 212-204- 7979 / sales@cineticmedia .com

INTERNATIONAL SALES AGENT: RO*CO FILMS ANNIE RONEY / CRISTINE PLATT DEWEY 415-332-6471 / annie@rocofilms.com/ cristine@rocofilms.com

PRINT SOURCE: SARKASMOS PRODUCTIONS LLC SARA TAKSLER info@ticklinggiants.com

Funders:

There was over 100K raised on Indiegogo for the film: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/tickling-giants--2#/

Where can I see it in the next month?

The film is screening in several cities via Landmark Theaters on March 21, 2017 - all of those screenings are listed on the film's website: http://ticklinggiants.com/