22/04/2024 | Writer: Selma Koçak
The Istanbul Film Festival released a statement addressing reports about the removal of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's logo and name from the festival’s website.
UniKuir reported that the Istanbul Film Festival, scheduled to take place between April 17-28, faced media scrutiny for allegedly promoting “LGBT propaganda,” resulting in the removal of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s name and logo from the festival’s “Our Supporters” section. In response to these reports, the Istanbul Film Festival issued a statement.
The full text of the statement is as follows:
“We maintain visibility of logos from supporters like the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in our festivals after support is confirmed. During the evaluation process for the 43rd Istanbul Film Festival, while our application for support was under review, the ministry's logo appeared in some media outlets. However, in accordance with legislation, the logo should not be displayed during this phase. Consequently, updates were made to relevant platforms afterward. Upon finalization of the ministry’s support, we will ensure the visibility of the logos on the festival website, catalogue, and other relevant media.”
What happened?
Besides the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, pro-government media outlets and social media also targeted the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, as well as the municipalities of Kadıköy and Beyoğlu, for their support of the festival, which was accused of promoting “LGBT propaganda.”
Yeni Şafak newspaper targeted films such as “Women of,” “The Summer with Carmen,” “Pet Shop Days,” “Crossing,” and “Dormitory” in the festival program, alleging that the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) was attempting to “normalize LGBT” through the festival. Former Ankara Mayor Melih Gökçek had called on Parliament to ban the festival.
Tags: arts and culture
