Turkish Film Festival Halted After Daniel Craig Movie Ban
The Mubi Fest Istanbul 2024 film festival was canceled in protest after Turkish authorities reportedly banned the festival’s opening film, Queer, starring Daniel Craig. The streaming service Mubi, which organized the festival, stated that local authorities cited “security reasons” for prohibiting the film, claiming its content could “endanger public peace.”
This last-minute ban, communicated just hours before the festival was set to open, led Mubi to decide on canceling the entire event rather than proceeding without the opening film.
Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino and based on William Burroughs’ 1985 novel, stars Daniel Craig as a drug-addicted American living in 1950s Mexico, delving into Mexico City’s vibrant nightlife. The film’s themes, rooted in Burroughs’ semi-autobiographical experiences, focus on complex subjects and characters, which Turkish authorities labeled as “provocative.” Mubi expressed deep disappointment over the ban, describing it as a restriction on both art and freedom of expression.
In an official statement, Mubi condemned the ban, emphasizing that film festivals are meant to celebrate cultural diversity and foster community, not limit expression.
They argued that the prohibition undermined the festival’s purpose and mission by targeting a single film due to its controversial themes. Mubi voiced their concern that restricting Queer ultimately undermines the essence of the festival as a platform for artistic exploration and cultural exchange.
The decision to cancel the entire festival, rather than simply excluding Queer, reflects Mubi’s commitment to its audience’s expectations and its principles on artistic freedom. In their statement, Mubi expressed regret for disappointing the sold-out audience and thanked those who were eager to participate in the four-day event.
They recognized the support and understanding of the artists, attendees, and supporters who shared in their disappointment and commitment to creative freedom.
Mubi’s statement highlighted their resolve to continue advocating for freedom of expression and artistic integrity, viewing the incident as more than a single film’s ban. They saw it as a significant moment in the fight against censorship, with implications for the future of film festivals in Turkey.
Mubi’s decision to cancel the festival altogether serves as a stand for artistic freedom, underscoring their belief that restricting any art form can have a broader chilling effect on creative communities.
The festival was initially set to begin on November 7 and had sold out in advance, demonstrating strong support for the event and its featured films.
Mubi’s actions and statement reflect a growing global conversation around censorship and artistic freedom, with Turkey’s ban on Queer bringing new attention to these issues. This cancellation stands as a protest and a call for greater protection of the arts in Turkey and beyond.
