Mubi cancels film festival after Turkish authorities ban LGBTQ+ film Queer

Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey in Queer (Image: Mubi)

Streaming platform Mubi has cancelled its Istanbul film festival after Turkish authorities banned Luca Guadagnino’s LGBTQ+ film Queer.

Mubi Fest Istanbul, scheduled to run from 7–10 November 2024, was set to open with the adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel, starring Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey.

Hours before the event’s launch, the Kadıköy District Governorate banned the screening, citing “provocative content” and risks to “public order,” the streaming service said.

In response, Mubi announced the cancellation of the entire festival. It described the ban as a restriction on freedom of expression, adding, “Festivals are spaces to celebrate art and cultural diversity. This decision undermines the very essence of the festival.”

In a statement shared on its Turkish-language Instagram page, Mubi said

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