MOVIES - May 13, 1987

Calling the film “insensitive” and “an affront to every Arab,” the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee on Tuesday launched a protest against Columbia Pictures’ “Ishtar,” due to open Friday. Faris Bouhafa, director of public relations for the group, said his organization has sent letters to Columbia demanding a public apology and to 158 critics around the country. It has also urged Muslim ambassadors in Washington to notify Columbia that “Ishtar” will be banned in their countries, Bouhafa said. Columbia representatives were unavailable for comment Tuesday afternoon.