Despite the ban of his latest film, Luca Guadagnino remains cautiously optimistic about the power of filmmaking.
After a show gay It was banned in Istanbul earlier this month, and the Oscar-nominated director vowed to “fight any institution that wants to distort” cinema while speaking at the Marrakesh International Film Festival, where he is chairing this year's jury.
“They banned the film because they said the film creates social disorder,” Guadagnino said at the press conference, according to Agence France-Presse. “I really hope they believe that the film form brings the possibility of societal collapse. Because that means my belief in the power of cinema is valid and not an illusion.”
Based on the book by William S. Burroughs published in 1985, gay It follows Lee (Daniel Craig) after he flees a drug bust in New Orleans to 1940s Mexico City, where he becomes infatuated with Allerton (Drew Starkey), a young discharged US Marine.
“I wonder if they've seen the movie or are just judging it by the broad strokes or, let's say, by the ridiculous stupidity of some journalists focusing on James Bond turning gay,” the director mused.
Luca Guadagnino attends the film Deadline Contenders: Los Angeles on November 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
“It's particularly obtuse censorship in this world where you can download the movie,” Guadagnino added.
After Mubi acquired multiple territory rights to gaythe streaming platform canceled Istanbul's Mubi Fest at the last minute after the city's governor banned the film's opening screening this month.
“Hours before the start of the Mobi Istanbul 2024 Festival, which took months to prepare and tickets for which were sold out days ago, we regret to learn that the film will be shown… gaywhich was part of the festival's program and which was also the opening film, was banned.
“The decision stipulates that the film be banned because it contains provocative content that would endanger the peace of society, and that the ban will be implemented for security reasons.”
The statement continued: “We believe that this ban is an interference that restricts art and freedom of expression… This ban does not only take away one film, but also takes away the meaning and purpose of the entire festival.” Mobi wants to take the stance that our fans expect from us, and we regret to inform you that we have made the decision to cancel the entire Mobi Istanbul Festival.
