Mubi Film Festival Canceled Following Istanbul Ban of Daniel Craig’s Queer

The constraints of the conservative world are pulling tighter every minute, but those brave enough to stand against their injustice won’t get caught in their grip. Mubi has made Call Me By Your Name director Luca Guadagino’s upcoming film Queer a rightful martyr in the fight against conservative law. The British production company that most recently brought audiences Demi Moore’s horror hit The Substance is making waves in the film industry and in the political sphere in more ways than one by making a statement about the movies they distribute and how they distribute them.

Mubi has canceled their film festival in Turkey due to a ban from the Turkish government on what would have been the opening film of the festival, Guadagino’s Queer starring Daniel Craig. Mubi acquired the rights to distribute the film about an American expatriate’s exploration of his sexuality in the U.K., Ireland, Canada, Latin America, Germany, Austria, Benelux, Spain, Turkey, and India, while A24 will distribute in the U.S.. Now, Turkey has made their stand on queer narratives and Mubi has said good riddance. They have canceled the entire Mubi Fest that was supposed to take place in Instanbul from November 7 to 10. Here is Mubi’s statement on the cancelation:

“The decision states that the movie is banned because it contains provocative content that would endanger the peace of society and that the ban decision would be implemented for security reasons. We believe this ban is an intervention that restricts art and freedom of expression. Festivals are breathtaking spaces where art and cultural diversity are celebrated, bringing people together. This ban takes not just one movie away from the meaning and purpose of the entire festival.”

With no laws protecting queer people from discrimination, Turkey’s ban of the gay director’s film does not come as a surprise, but is a sobering reminder that the conservative world continues to hinder art and culture for everyone. Mubi’s actions will not go unnoticed and will hopefully inspire more production companies to stand against conservative law’s imposition on queer culture in the future.

Movies Are Art And Art Has Power

While we can debate the effects of banning movies, a production or distribution company’s response to a ban can be even more impactful for audiences. Mubi’s decision is a loud and proud one that will no doubt change the industry in some way, even though it might not be instantly noticable. As long as artists like Guadagino keep making movies, the film world will continue to challenge conservative views and even the laws behind those views.

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Movies are changing the world, and individuals, day by day, with studies like those being done on our ability to grow and strengthen empathy for people different from us when watching narratives like Just Mercy. This change can be slowed down by governmental decisions like that of Turkey’s ban, but with companies like Mubi ready to take a stand, it will not be stopped.