I first heard about Tickling Giants in my entertainment reporting course when English professor Scott Winter began class one day showing the movie trailer. He recommend we go see it.

I typically don’t watch documentaries for fun, in fact, I rarely watch documentaries to begin with, but this documentary looked different.  

As a journalist and with today’s political world, I knew I needed to see this.

Not only did the MSP film look interesting and funny, but it held potential in teaching me something valuable. This film would show me a glimpse into Egypt’s world during the Arab Spring, which I honestly didn’t know much about.

I brought along a friend of mine who is very opinionated to say the least.

I sat next to him and laughed next to him in St.Anthony Main Theater hoping maybe just maybe this will open his eyes to a different perspective.

It didn’t.

However, it opened up my eyes in many different ways.

I sat reclined in the red cushioned seat watching Bassem Youssef’s story, the story of how Egypt overthrew two of their presidents, one which whom they elected.

I watched how government and bigger powers tried to silence Youssef.

I listened to how they put thousands of journalists in jail for doing their job.

I learned that when power is being abused we can express ourselves in a non-violent way, in fact, that’s what we should do.

Violence isn’t what gives you power.

If you enjoy documentaries, this one is sure to watch.

If you enjoy comedies, this will have you laughing.

If you know nothing on the Arab Spring, you’ll learn about it.

I give this movie a 10 out of 10 and 100% recommend watching this film.

— Miranda Weippert | Features Reporter