Uzbek authorities have launched investigations into the showing of the new U.S. movie "Noah" in Tashkent's three major cinema theaters one day before the date of its official release.
Authorities in Tashkent said that the management of Mega Cinema, Asia, and Grand Cinema theaters in Tashkent, which showed the film on March 27, are currently under investigation.
Showing the film was suspended as of March 28 -- the day it is scheduled to be officially released in the United States.
Officials of Uzbekistan's State Cinema Committee told RFE/RL that international movies can be shown in the country only after obtaining the committee's official approval.
In addition, any movie on religious themes, such as "Noah," which is based on the biblical story of The Flood, must be approved by Uzbekistan's Directorate for Religious Issues.
Authorities in Tashkent said that the management of Mega Cinema, Asia, and Grand Cinema theaters in Tashkent, which showed the film on March 27, are currently under investigation.
Showing the film was suspended as of March 28 -- the day it is scheduled to be officially released in the United States.
Officials of Uzbekistan's State Cinema Committee told RFE/RL that international movies can be shown in the country only after obtaining the committee's official approval.
In addition, any movie on religious themes, such as "Noah," which is based on the biblical story of The Flood, must be approved by Uzbekistan's Directorate for Religious Issues.