The announcement that actor Denzel Washington is set to play General Aníbal Barca in a Netflix film is generating controversy in Tunisia — the country where the birthplace of the general, who lived in 250 BC, is now located.
According to the Le Monde, Debates about the film’s casting and Denzel Washington’s color began on social media, but soon reached the Tunisian Parliament.
At the end of November, while the Ministry of Culture’s budget was being discussed in session, deputy Yassine Mami questioned minister Hayet Ketat Guermazi about the film, claiming that there was a risk of “falsifying history” by casting a black man to play Aníbal Barca — considered one of the greatest military strategists in history.
When responding, the Minister of Culture said that the film would not be a documentary, but a work of fiction, so the country could not intervene in the content. “Hannibal is a historical figure, even if we are all proud that he is Tunisian… What could we do?” said Guermazi.
For her, the most important thing is to ensure that at least part of the film is recorded in Tunisia and that the country is mentioned, to guarantee a financial return on Netflix’s production.
The film is expected to be directed by Antoine Fuqua, but has no scheduled release date.
Aníbal Barca was born in Carthage, in 247 BC, in the region where Tunisia is today. He has always been portrayed by artists and historians as a light-skinned man due to his North African origins.
*Published by Fernanda Pinotti
Source: CNN Brasil
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