Film “Queer” Banned in Turkey, Luca Guadagnino Slams the Move

The Turkish authorities banned the screening of the LGBTQI-themed film “Queer,” directed by Luca Guadagnino, citing concerns over its “provocative content” that could “endanger public peace” as the reason for the ban.

The film was scheduled to open the Mubi Fest Istanbul on November 7, 2024, but local authorities informed Mubi of the ban just hours before the event, leading to the cancellation of the entire festival.

The film Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino, is an adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. The film stars Daniel Craig as William Lee, Burroughs’ alter ego, and Drew Starkey as Eugene Allerton, a character based on Burroughs’ real-life love interest, Adelbert Lewis Marker.

Other notable cast members include Lesley Manville and Jason Schwartzman.

Set in late-1940s Mexico City, the story follows Lee, a World War II veteran navigating a vibrant but challenging expat community filled with gay Americans.

The film explores themes of longing, desire, and the complexities of queer identity against the backdrop of Burroughs’ tumultuous life experiences. Guadagnino’s adaptation not only reflects the essence of Burroughs’ original work but also aims to provide closure to the unfinished narrative, particularly through its epilogue.

 In response to the ban, Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino criticized the Turkish authorities for what he termed “obtuse censorship.”

He expressed scepticism about whether officials had even viewed the film, suggesting that their judgment was based on superficial interpretations rather than its actual content.

During a press conference at the Marrakech International Film Festival, he vowed to fight against any institution that seeks to undermine cinema’s power and questioned the rationale behind claiming that his film could create social disorder.