Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino has lashed out at a decision to ban his film “Queer” in Turkey, vowing to “fight any institution that wants to tarnish” cinema. The film, set to be the opening screening at a festival in Istanbul, was banned by local authorities who claimed it could “disturb the peace”.
Guadagnino, who is currently presiding over the jury at the Marrakech International Film Festival, criticized the decision, saying that local authorities had banned the movie because they believed it created social disorder. “I really hope they do believe that the form of the movie brings the possibility of societal collapse,” he added. “Because this means that my belief in the power of cinema is true and not delusional.”
Based on William S. Burroughs’ novel of the same name, “Queer” follows an American as he drifts through post-war Mexico City on a quest for love. Guadagnino questioned whether authorities had actually seen the film or were simply judging it based on its premise and publicity. “It’s an obtuse censorship particularly in this world where you can download the movie,” he said.
The banning of “Queer” led to the cancellation of the festival just hours before it was set to open. Guadagnino is set to chair a jury at the Marrakech International Film Festival alongside members including Patricia Arquette, Ali Abbasi and Andrew Garfield. The festival runs from November 29 to December 7.