The MUBI Fest Istanbul, scheduled for Nov. 7-10, was canceled following a last-minute ban by the Kadıköy District Governor’s Office on a LGBTI+ themed film, according to an announcement by streaming platform MUBI on Nov. 7.
MUBI Turkey stated that it decided to cancel the entire festival after officials prohibited the screening of Luca Guadagnino’s film *Queer*, slated to open the event, just hours before it was set to begin. Authorities cited “provocative content” in the film that could “threaten public peace,” declaring the ban necessary for security reasons.
In its statement, MUBI Turkey expressed disappointment, calling the ban “an intervention that restricts art and freedom of expression.” The platform emphasized that festivals foster “celebration of art and cultural diversity” and that banning a single film undermines the entire festival’s purpose.
“We want to uphold the values our audience expects from us, and with regret, we have decided to cancel MUBI Fest Istanbul,” the statement read.
The Turkish government has increased restrictions on LGBTI+ events and media since the Gezi Park protests of 2013 and the 2016 coup attempt, with Istanbul’s annual pride parade banned since 2015.
