Screening banned

Scandal over Daniel Craig film “Queer” in Turkey

The screening of Daniel Craig's new film "Queer" was banned by an Istanbul district government.(Bild: Courtesy Everett Collection / Everett Collection)

An Istanbul district government has banned the screening of the film "Queer" starring actor Daniel Craig as part of a film festival. Organizer Mubi canceled the festival, which was scheduled to last four days, in protest, according to a statement from the arthouse streaming service.

The district leaders in Istanbul's Kadiköy district, appointed by the central government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had described the film as a "threat to social peace" due to its "provocative content", according to Mubi.

The district government confirmed the ban on the film to dpa on Friday.

Craig can be seen in a sex scene with a man
"Queer" is about love between two men. British actor Craig can also be seen in sex scenes with a man. Luca Guadagnino's new film premiered at the Venice Film Festival.

Ex-Bond actor Craig can be seen in his film in a sex scene with a man, among other things. It is "provocative content", according to the criticism of the district leaders.(Bild: APA/Getty Images via AFP/GETTY IMAGES/Michael loccisano)

Homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, but is strongly opposed in conservative sections of society. The conservative Islamic government repeatedly makes openly homophobic statements and regularly attacks queer people verbally.

Organizations report a social climate in Turkey in which hostility and attacks on LGBTQI people are on the rise. LGBTQI stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex people.