Istanbul film festival cancelled in protest over ban of Daniel Craig’s Queer

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