The eagerly anticipated second edition of Mubu Fest, organised by the international streaming platform Mubi, was abruptly cancelled just hours before its opening in Istanbul, following a government-imposed ban on one of the films slated for screening. Scheduled to kick off on November 7 in Kadikoy, the festival was meant to run a lineup of diverse films similar to its successful inaugural event in 2023.
The controversy erupted following the decision by local authorities to ban Queer, starring Daniel Craig. According to a statement from Mubi’s Turkish-language Instagram page, the festival was called off in a direct response to the prohibition of the film. The statement expressed regret and highlighted the extensive preparation that had gone into organizing the event.
The decision to ban Queer was reportedly attributed to its “provocative content,” deemed by authorities as potentially threatening to societal peace and, purportedly, security. The organisers of Mubi Fest expressed dismay over this decision, asserting their belief that the ban significantly restricted artistic freedom and expression. They argued that the festival served as a vital platform for celebrating cultural diversity and art, and that the ban undermined this purpose.
The film Queer, set in the 1950s, features Daniel Craig as an American expatriate in Mexico. The narrative revolves around his solitary existence and an encounter with another expatriate, which challenges his loneliness and offers him hope for an intimate connection.
The Mubi Fest’s decision to cancel the entire event highlights the tension between artistic expression and regulatory oversight in Turkey. The festival’s organisers, supporters, and attendees were left disappointed by the abrupt cancellation, after tickets had sold out in advance and anticipation was high.
The incident has sparked discussions about the boundaries of artistic expression within the region, as well as the role of cultural events in broadening dialogues. As the situation unfolds, interested parties continue to assess the broader implications for future cultural events in Turkey.
Source: Noah Wire Services
More on this & verification
- https://ew.com/istanbul-film-festival-canceled-after-daniel-craig-queer-film-banned-8741989?srsltid=AfmBOopeItJWOQnQ1L81AuaAtOsgX6hRvYSAGW1_yUr0JKywmYEtJuWV – Corroborates the cancellation of Mubi Fest Istanbul due to the ban on the film ‘Queer’ and provides details on the event.
- https://movieweb.com/mubi-film-festival-canceled-following-ban-on-daniel-craig-queer/ – Supports the cancellation of the film festival following the local ban on ‘Queer’ and the reasons behind it.
- https://inmagazine.ca/2024/11/mubi-cancels-turkish-film-festival-after-authorities-ban-queer-screening/ – Details the ban on ‘Queer’ by local authorities, the film’s plot, and Mubi’s statement on the cancellation of the festival.
- https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/11/streaming-platform-mubi-cancels-turkish-film-festival-over-queer-ban/ – Confirms the cancellation of the festival due to the ban on ‘Queer’ and discusses the broader implications for LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey.
- https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/news/queer-daniel-craig-ban-turkey-film-festival-mubi-b2643539.html – Provides information on the film ‘Queer,’ the reasons for its ban, and the impact on the festival and broader cultural context in Turkey.
- https://inmagazine.ca/2024/11/mubi-cancels-turkish-film-festival-after-authorities-ban-queer-screening/ – Explains the plot of ‘Queer’ and its significance in the context of the festival, as well as Mubi’s response to the ban.
- https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/news/queer-daniel-craig-ban-turkey-film-festival-mubi-b2643539.html – Details the reaction of Mubi and the impact of the ban on the festival’s purpose and the broader cultural scene.
- https://ew.com/istanbul-film-festival-canceled-after-daniel-craig-queer-film-banned-8741989?srsltid=AfmBOopeItJWOQnQ1L81AuaAtOsgX6hRvYSAGW1_yUr0JKywmYEtJuWV – Supports the timing and location of the festival and its cancellation.
- https://movieweb.com/mubi-film-festival-canceled-following-ban-on-daniel-craig-queer/ – Corroborates the extensive preparation and anticipation for the festival before its cancellation.
- https://inmagazine.ca/2024/11/mubi-cancels-turkish-film-festival-after-authorities-ban-queer-screening/ – Provides Mubi’s official statement on the cancellation and their stance on artistic freedom and expression.
- https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/news/queer-daniel-craig-ban-turkey-film-festival-mubi-b2643539.html – Discusses the broader implications for future cultural events in Turkey and the country’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
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