07/11/2024 | Writer: Kaos GL
MUBI Turkey announced that “Queer”, the opening film of MUBI FEST, was banned. The platform canceled the entire festival, saying, “We believe that the decision restricts art and freedom of expression.”
International film platform MUBI announced that the opening film of MUBI Fest Istanbul 2024, “Queer” directed by Luca Guadagnino, was banned by Kadıköy District Governorate. According to the statement made by MUBI Turkey on its social media accounts, the district governorship claimed in its decision that the movie had provocative content that would jeopardize social peace and that the decision would be implemented on security grounds.
MUBI Turkey stated that the ban is an intervention restricting freedom of art and expression and announced that the entire festival has been canceled.
MUBI Turkey's statement reads as follows:
"The decision states that the film is banned on the grounds that it 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 takes away the meaning and purpose of the entire festival, not just one film. Therefore, as MUBI, we want to take 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. We would like to thank all the artists, viewers and supporters who were planning to participate in the festival and who we believe are as saddened by this situation as we are, for their understanding and solidarity. We will continue to maintain our stance on this issue to protect freedom of expression and artistic expression."
Tags: human rights, media, arts and culture
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