In a stunning turn of events, the much-anticipated Istanbul film festival organized by the arthouse streaming platform Mubi has been abruptly canceled just hours before its scheduled opening. The sudden shutdown came in response to local authorities in the Kadikoy district banning the screening of the festival’s opening film, “Queer,” a drama starring Daniel Craig as a gay man struggling with addiction and loneliness.
According to a statement released by Mubi, district officials informed them mere hours before the festival’s start that “Queer” was prohibited from being shown, citing the film’s “provocative content” that they claimed would “disturb the peace.” The authorities further justified the ban by asserting it was necessary for “security reasons.”
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, “Queer” premiered to critical acclaim at the Venice Film Festival last month. The provocative love story between two men, based on a short novel by William S. Burroughs, features graphic sex scenes as it explores the emotional highs and lows of its protagonists. While the film’s explicit content was expected to spark debate, few anticipated it would lead to the cancellation of an entire festival.
A Blow to Artistic Freedom
Mubi strongly denounced the ban, calling it a blatant restriction on art and freedom of expression. In a passionate statement, the company declared:
“Festivals are breathing spaces that celebrate art and cultural diversity and bring people together. This ban affects not only a film but the meaning and purpose of the entire festival.”
The censorship of “Queer” and the subsequent cancellation of the festival have reignited the ongoing debate about LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey. Although homosexuality was decriminalized in the country as early as 1858, it remains widely frowned upon by large segments of Turkish society.
President Erdogan’s Stance on LGBTQ+ Rights
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been vocal in his opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, regularly referring to individuals within the community as “perverts” and accusing them of posing a threat to traditional family values. His rhetoric has emboldened conservative factions within Turkey, leading to increased discrimination and harassment of LGBTQ+ people.
A Pattern of Censorship
This is not the first time that LGBTQ+ content has faced censorship in Turkey. In 2020, streaming giant Netflix was forced to cancel the production of a series featuring a gay character after failing to obtain government permission for filming. Istanbul’s annual Pride march has also been banned every year since 2015, with authorities citing security concerns.
LGBTQ+ activists and allies argue that these actions are part of a larger pattern of discrimination and oppression. They assert that the government’s stance emboldens hate speech and violence against the community, creating an atmosphere of fear and intolerance.
The Role of Mubi
Mubi, the London-based global arthouse movie streamer, producer, and distributor behind the canceled festival, was founded in 2007 by Turkish entrepreneur Efe Cakarel. The company offers its streaming services in over 195 countries, showcasing a curated selection of independent and international films.
By taking a stand against the censorship of “Queer” and canceling the entire festival in protest, Mubi has positioned itself as an advocate for artistic freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. The company’s decision has garnered support from filmmakers, activists, and cinephiles worldwide who believe in the power of cinema to challenge societal norms and spark important conversations.
The Future of LGBTQ+ Rights in Turkey
As the controversy surrounding the cancellation of the Istanbul film festival continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what impact it will have on the larger struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey. Activists hope that the international attention brought by this incident will put pressure on the government to reevaluate its stance and take steps towards creating a more inclusive and tolerant society.
However, progress is likely to be slow in the face of deep-rooted conservatism and political opposition. The road ahead for the LGBTQ+ community in Turkey is undoubtedly challenging, but many remain committed to fighting for their rights and pushing for change, one film festival at a time.
