Cancellation of MUBI Fest Istanbul following 'ban'
MUBI Turkey has announced its decision to cancel MUBI Fest Istanbul 2024 following the ban on the festival's opening film, Queer. In a statement, the company said, "We will continue to maintain our stance on this issue in order to protect freedom of expression and artistic expression."
12punto
MUBI Fest Istanbul 2024 has been cancelled just hours before it was set to begin. In a statement released by MUBI Turkey, it was reported that the Istanbul Kadıköy District Governorate had notified them that the screening of the film Queer had been banned.
BAN ON THE FILM QUEER
According to MUBI Turkey, the decision stated that the film Queer was banned on the grounds that it contained provocative content that would endanger public peace, and that the ban would be implemented for security reasons.
MUBI TURKEY CANCELS THE FESTIVAL
MUBI Turkey stated, "For this reason, as MUBI, we want to maintain the principled stance our audience expects from us, and we regret to announce that we have decided to cancel the entirety of MUBI Fest Istanbul."
The statement from MUBI Turkey is as follows:
FESTIVAL'S OPENING FILM BANNED
Just hours before the start of MUBI Fest Istanbul 2024—for which preparations took months, announcements began weeks ago, and tickets sold out days ago—we learned with regret through a notification from the Istanbul Kadıköy District Governorate that the screening of QUEER, which was on the festival program and also the opening film, has been banned.
“AN INTERVENTION THAT RESTRICTS ART AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION”
The decision states that the film is banned on the grounds that it contains provocative content that would endanger public peace, and that the ban is being implemented for security reasons. We believe that this ban is an intervention that restricts art and freedom of expression. Festivals are spaces for breathing that bring people together, where art and cultural diversity are celebrated. This ban strips not only a single film but the entire festival of its meaning and purpose.
“WE HAVE DECIDED TO CANCEL THE ENTIRETY OF MUBI FEST ISTANBUL”
For this reason, as MUBI, we want to maintain the principled stance our audience expects from us, and we regret to announce that we have decided to cancel the entirety of MUBI Fest Istanbul. We would like to thank all the artists, viewers, and supporters who planned to attend the festival and who we believe are as saddened by this situation as we are, for their understanding and solidarity. We will continue to maintain our stance on this issue in order to protect freedom of expression and artistic expression.
REGARDING FESTIVAL TICKET REFUNDS
Information regarding refunds for festival tickets will be shared at a later time.