Big Brother in the Middle East

The Saudi television station MBC expected the entire Arab world, from Morocco to Saudi Arabia, to be ready to embrace the controversial Dutch television programme 'Big Brother'. Twenty million dollars were invested to bring together twelve Arab boys and girls, from various Arab countries, in the Big Brother house. The house was newly built in the Kingdom of Bahrain, only a few miles away from the heart of Islam, Saudi Arabia. The entire Middle East, male and female, together in one television programme centred around intrigue, relationships and sexuality. This would be the first time for a Western reality soap to enter the Arab world. Director Sarah Vos was given the rare opportunity to film everything behind the scenes, showing in detail how 'Big Brother' broached all sensitive subjects: from the interpretation of the Koran and the influence of Muslim clerics to the issue of the headscarf. It shows in a revealing way the struggle between the conservative part of the Arab world and the younger generation, trying to liberate itself without losing its religious identity. After nine days, 'Big Brother' was taken off the air. This documentary gives a rather unique insight into Arab confusion about morals and Western freedom, at a moment when more than ever the Western and Arab worlds watch each other with suspicion.