Mubi cancels film festival in Turkey after Daniel Craig film ‘Queer’ is banned

Mubi has scrapped an entire festival it had planned in Turkey after local authorities banned a screening of Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer.”

The arthouse distributor and streamer was due to hold the annual Mubi Fest Istanbul between Nov. 7-10 with “Queer” — based on the William S. Burroughs novel and starring Daniel Craig as a gay expat living in Mexico — set as the opener. But when it was told to pull the screening at the last minute by authorities who deemed it to contain “provocative content,” the company opted to cancel the festival altogether, saying that the ban targeted the “very essence and purpose” of the event.

“Queer” — releasing in the U.S. with A24 — world premiered in Venice to positive reviews. After the festival, Mubi acquired the film for multiple territories, including the U.K., Ireland, Canada, Latin America, Germany, Austria, Benelux, Spain, Turkey and India and all rights excluding theatrical in Italy.

See Mubi’s statement below:

“Hours before the opening of MUBI Fest Istanbul 2024, which we have been meticulously planning for months, and which was announced a few weeks ago and sold out days ago, we were informed that the screening of ‘Queer’ — the festival’s opening film — has been banned by a decision of the Kadıköy District Governorate of Istanbul.

The decision states that the film is prohibited on the grounds that it contains provocative content that could endanger public peace, with the ban being imposed for security reasons. We believe this ban is a direct restriction on art and freedom of expression. Festivals are spaces that celebrate art, cultural diversity, and community, bringing people together. This ban not only targets a single film but also undermines the very essence and purpose of the festival.

For this reason, MUBI has decided to take the position that our audience expects from us. It is with deep regret that we inform you of our decision to cancel the entire MUBI Fest Istanbul. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the artists, audiences, and supporters who were eager to be part of the festival. We truly appreciate your understanding and solidarity. We know you are as saddened by this situation as we are.

We will continue to advocate for the protection of freedom of expression and artistic integrity. Information regarding ticket refunds will be provided at a later date.”