Mubi canceled a Turkish film festival after Queer got banned in the country

Luca Guadagnino's highly-anticipated new romantic drama Queer has been banned in Turkey, and an entire film festival has been canceled because of it.

Queer, which stars Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey as two American expatriates living in Mexico in the 1950s who have a profound connection and spark a steamy love affair, was set to screen at the 2024 Mubi Fest Istanbul on November 7. However, in a last-minute decision, the city governor has banned the film.

"Hours before the start of Mubi Fest Istanbul 2024, which took months to prepare and was sold out days ago, we regretted to learn that the screening of Queer, which was part of the festival program and which was also the opening film, has been banned," Mubi Turkey wrote in a statement.

"The decision states that the movie is banned because it contains provocative content that would endanger the peace of the society and that the ban would be implemented for security reasons," the statement continued. "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 but also the meaning and purpose of the entire festival."

"In the name of protecting freedom of expression and artistic expression, we will continue to stand on this issue," the statement concludes.

Queer centers on a gay love story between two men, and features several scenes that involve gay sex and nudity.

Queer hits select theaters on November 27.