November 9, 2024

(NEW YORK) – The Turkish government’s decision to ban the screening of the film Queer is a blatant attack and another in a long list of censorship actions against artistic freedom, the Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) states. ARC demands that the Turkish government immediately lift this ban and uphold the fundamental right to artistic expression.

On November 7, the Mubi Fest announced the cancellation of its sold-out Istanbul film festival, showcasing dozens of international films between November 7 and November 10. The Istanbul version of the festival is one of nine iterations held around the world, from Buenos Aires to Manchester. The decision came after Turkish authorities banned the festival’s opening film, Queer, claiming that it contained “provocative content that would endanger public peace” and citing that the ban decision would be implemented for “security reasons.”

“Yet again, the Turkish government is wielding censorship as a tool to silence creative voices,” said Julie Trébault, Executive Director of ARC. “Film is a powerful catalyst for dialogue and connection. By banning Queer and forcing the closure of an entire sold-out festival, the government is stripping its citizens of the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives. This act is more than a violation of artistic freedom—it’s a cultural loss that deprives audiences of a vital experience. The censorship of Queer, a film that spotlights marginalized voices and adapts a seminal literary work, is particularly alarming. It highlights a broader agenda to suppress LGBTQ+ representation in Turkish public life. We urge the authorities to revoke this harmful ban and respect their citizens’ right to free artistic expression.”

Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino, is based on the unfinished 1985 novella by American writer William S. Burroughs. The film tells the story of an American expatriate, William Lee, adrift in 1940s Mexico City, as he becomes entangled with a discharged Navy officer, exploring themes of desire, addiction, and self-discovery. Queer stands as a significant addition to contemporary queer cinema, offering a nuanced exploration of complex relationships and personal transformation.

2023 was marked by a series of devastating events and escalating crackdowns on artistic freedom in Türkiye. The controversial “Disinformation Law,” enacted in 2022, has been used to target journalists, artists, and cultural workers, resulting in heightened censorship across the creative sector. This repressive environment led to the cancellation of major cultural events, including the prestigious Antalya Golden Orange Film Festiva, after the government withdrew its support due to “politically sensitive” content. LGBTQ+-related events and Pride Month activities faced similar targeting, exemplifying the broader assault on creative voices and diverse cultural expression in Türkiye.

ABOUT ARC
Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) is an international organization committed to promoting and advancing artistic freedom worldwide. We work to protect artists and cultural workers who are at risk because of their creative expression, often connected to their identities or roles within their communities. ARC helps artists at risk overcome challenges like persecution, censorship, threats, and violence from both state and non-state actors.

Contact: Elias Ephron, eephron@artistsatriskconnection.org