The arthouse streamer said it pulled the MUBI Fest in Istanbul in the “name of protecting freedom of expression and artistic expression.”

Streamer Mubi has cancelled Turkish film festival at the eleventh hour after city governor banned Luca Guadagnino’s Queer.

Mubi Fest Istanbul was due to open with Luca Guadagnino's 'Queer' but the film was deemed a threat to public peace

The annual Mubi Fest Istanbul was set to take place from November 7 through 10. Additional films set for the festival included “Dahomey,” “La Cocina,” “Late Night with the Devil,” “Hit Man,” and “Perfect Days.” The festival annually screens feature films and shorts, with talks, Q&As, workshops, installations, and DJs performing across nine cities.

Streaming service Mubi cancelled their international film festival in Istanbul to protest the local government’s decision to ban the opening film, a gay romance drama starring Daniel Craig. The MUBI Fest was scheduled to open on Thursday evening with a screening of Queer,

Turkish authorities increasingly intervening in movie screenings and festivals citing 'danger to public peace'

Streaming platform Mubi has cancelled its long planned Mubi Fest Istanbul at the eleventh hour after city governor banned a screening of Luca Guadagnino's LGBTI+ themed movie Queer, which was to have been the opening film.

The opening film was banned in the country for “provocative content that would endanger the peace of society.”