Streaming platform MUBI has canceled its MUBI Fest Istanbul in response to the Istanbul District Governor’s Office’s decision to ban Queer, a film starring Daniel Craig, from screening. The festival, scheduled to start on November 7, was canceled in solidarity with freedom of artistic expression after the local authority deemed Queer “provocative content” that could threaten public peace.
In a statement, MUBI Turkiye expressed disappointment, saying, “As we prepared to welcome audiences to MUBI Fest Istanbul 2024—an event announced weeks ago and sold out days ago—we were notified that Queer, our opening film, was banned for security reasons. We believe this decision restricts both art and freedom of expression. Festivals are spaces for celebrating cultural diversity, and this ban not only limits one film but detracts from the entire festival’s purpose and meaning.”
The statement highlighted MUBI’s commitment to taking a “principled stance” and thanked artists, audiences, and supporters for their understanding and solidarity, emphasizing its dedication to protecting freedom of expression in the arts.
Set in 1950, Queer—directed by Luca Guadagnino and based on William S. Burroughs’ novel—depicts the life of an American expat in Mexico who finds new hope for connection. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival last month. Ticket refund information for MUBI Fest Istanbul will be shared in due course.
