Mubi pulled its long-awaited film festival in Turkey after local authorities banned Luca Guadgnino’s gay drama, Queer.
On 7 November, Mubi Fest Istanbul 2024 was set to kick off its four-day run with a stacked lineup featuring this year’s buzzworthy films.
However, that same day, Mubi Turkey announced that the festival would not proceed due to the city governor’s last-minute ban on the Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey-led gay romance.
“Hours before the opening of MUBI Fest Istanbul 2024, which we have been meticulously planning for months, and which was announced a few weeks ago and sold out days ago, we were informed that the screening of Queer – the festival’s opening film – has been banned by a decision of the Kadıköy District Governorate of Istanbul,” event officials explained in a written statement via their Instagram profile.
“The decision states that the movie is banned because it contains provocative content that would endanger the peace of society and that the ban would be implemented for security reasons.
“We believe this ban is an intervention that restricts art and cultural diversity are celebrated, bringing people together. This band takes not just one movie away but also the meaning and purpose of the entire festival.”
Toward the end of their statement, Mubi Turkey thanked all the artists, supporters, and attendees who planned on participating in the festival.
“We truly appreciate your understanding and solidarity. We know you are as saddened by this situation as we are. We will continue to advocate for the protection of freedom of expression and artistic integrity. Information regarding ticket refunds will be provided at a later date,” they concluded.
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While homosexuality is not banned in Turkey, and despite the country being home to numerous LGBTQIA+ associations, homophobia is widespread and anti-discrimination laws are non-existent.
Over the last decade, events for the community – like Pride marches and other queer-focused gatherings – have faced censorship by government authorities. The conservative country has even opted out of competing in Eurovision due to the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ contestants.
Aside from the recent events in Turkey, Queer has had a successful run on the film festival circuit – with its world premiere taking place at the 81st Venice Film Festival in September.
Based on William S Burrough’s 1985 short novel of the same name, the drama follows Lee (Craig), an American outcast who flees to Mexico following a drug bust in New Orleans. While in Mexico City, he becomes infatuated with Allerton (Starkey), a discharged serviceman from the American Navy.
Since its premiere, the feature has garnered a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 68 reviews from critics.
Fortunately, general moviegoers won’t have to wait too long to watch Queer – with the film set for release in the US on 27 November and 13 December in the UK.
Watch the first official trailer here or below.
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