LGBT film denied entry to Beirut Film Festival

British LGBT film WASP, selected for the Beirut International Film Festival (BIFF), has been denied entry by the Lebanese Censorship Bureau.

WASP recently played at the Raindance Film Festival and was about to play at the Beirut International Film Festival, when it was banned by the Lebanese Censorship Bureau.

The ban came as a huge surprise to director Philippe Audi-Dor as previous LBGT films have screened at the festival before.

A spokesperson for the Beirut International Film Festivak said that BIFF would not play WASP for it’s 2015 program, as neither has secured a permit from General Security.

Previously other LGBT films played at the festival including Lilting (UK) and Tom à la Ferme in 2014.

In Wasp Olivier and James’ romantic break in the South of France is interrupted by the sudden arrival of Caroline. She’s an old friend James has lost touch with, and has recently been dumped. Olivier grows unexpectedly intrigued by Caroline, who can’t help but notice. She enjoys his attention and starts to play along. The tension slowly rises, until it finally sizzles to boiling point. James, meanwhile, begins to have his doubts…

Director Philippe Audi-Dor says: “I am very disappointed that Wasp won’t be screening at the renowned Beirut International Film Festival because of its LGBT content. That said, I do understand that the film touches upon a delicate subject, and do respect the censorship bureau’s decision. I do think however that the cancelling of the movie emphasizes just how relevant a film like Wasp is in today’s world.”

Simon Haycock makes his debut as Olivier and the film also stars Hugo Bolton as James, and Elly Condron as Caroline.