Turkish Film Festival Canceled Over Ban on Daniel Craig's 'Queer'

Mubi cancels its Istanbul festival after local authorities ban the opening film citing security concerns.

The Kadıköy District Governorate of Istanbul banned the film 'Queer' just hours before the festival's start, citing 'provocative content' as a threat to public peace.
Mubi, the film's distributor, decided to cancel the entire sold-out festival in protest against the ban, emphasizing the importance of artistic freedom.
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, 'Queer' stars Daniel Craig and is based on a semi-autobiographical novel by William S. Burroughs.
The film explores themes of love and identity set in 1950s Mexico City and received a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival.
Despite the legal status of homosexuality in Turkey, LGBTQ+ content often faces censorship, reflecting broader societal and governmental tensions.