MUBI cancels festival in Istanbul after district governor bans screening of LGBTI+ themed 'Queer' movie

Duvar English

MUBI Fest Istanbul, planned to be held between Nov. 7-10, was canceled after a ban by the Kadıköy District Governor’s Office on an LGBTI+ themed movie, the streaming platform announced on Nov. 7.

In a statement on social media, MUBI Turkey said it decided to cancel the entire festival after the district governor’s office banned the screening of Luca Guadagnino's “Queer” movie “hours before the start of the festival.” 

In its decision, the office claimed that the movie “contains provocative content that could jeopardize public peace and that the ban will be enforced for security reasons.”

“We believe that this ban is an intervention that restricts art and freedom of expression. Festivals are breathing spaces where art and cultural diversity are celebrated, bringing people together. This ban does not just ban one film, but the entire festival, and takes away from its meaning and purpose,” the platform said.

“As MUBI, we want to show the right stance that our audience expects from us and we regret to inform you that we have decided to cancel the entire MUBI FEST Istanbul,” the platform announced.

The Turkish government has had a particularly firm stance against the LGBTI+ community since the Gezi Park protest of 2013 and the coup attempt of 2016. The annual LGBTI+ pride parade in Istanbul and other major Turkish cities has been banned since 2015, and those who have marched regardless have been met with police violence.