Antalya, a municipality in southern Turkey, made headlines recently when it decided to cancel the long-standing Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival. The cancellation came in the wake of a controversy surrounding a political documentary titled “Kanun Hukmu” or “Decree.” The film delves into the lives of a physician and a teacher who were dismissed from their government jobs during a state of emergency following a failed coup attempt in 2016.
Antalya Mayor Muhittin Bocek expressed his regret in a public statement, citing events beyond their control as the reason for the cancellation. The festival, known as Turkey’s most prestigious film event, initially removed the documentary from its lineup but later reversed this decision due to the withdrawal of many directors’ films and the resignation of jury members. These individuals stepped down in protest against perceived censorship and threats to artistic expression.
However, the festival faced further setbacks when Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Ministry withdrew its support, accusing the organizers of allowing “terror propaganda.” Consequently, the documentary was eliminated from the festival once again, leading to the municipality’s ultimate decision to cancel the entire event.
Nejla Demirci, the director of “Kanun Hukmu,” strongly refuted the government’s accusation of propaganda, emphasizing that none of the individuals featured in the documentary had been convicted of any crimes. The dismissal of over 125,000 state employees by the government following the failed coup attempt has been a subject of controversy, with critics arguing that the government has exploited the situation to suppress dissent under the guise of national security.
The cancellation of the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival in 2023 has raised concerns among artists, filmmakers, and supporters of freedom of expression. The festival has long served as a platform for showcasing diverse voices and fostering meaningful dialogue through creative endeavors. The decision to cancel the event has sparked conversations about the importance of protecting artistic freedom and ensuring that censorship does not hinder the exchange of ideas.
As the film festival faces an uncertain future, advocates for human rights and defenders of freedom of expression continue to emphasize the need for an inclusive environment that nurtures artistic expression and respects the principles of democracy and human rights. Only through open dialogue and the free flow of ideas can societies evolve and grow.
The fate of the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by artists and filmmakers in many parts of the world. It highlights the importance of supporting and protecting artistic freedom, as it is through creative expression that societies can gain a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations that contribute to social progress.
The cancellation of the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival in the midst of a controversy over a political documentary sheds light on the concerning state of censorship in Turkey. The suppression of artistic expression and the stifling of diverse viewpoints is a matter that goes beyond control and is unacceptable in a democratic society. As advocates for human rights and defenders of freedom of expression, we RIGHTS DEFENDERS firmly stand against any form of censorship and will continue to show solidarity with artists, filmmakers, and all those who strive to uphold the principles of artistic freedom and the unrestricted exchange of ideas. It is through our collective efforts that we can challenge and overcome the barriers imposed on creative expression, fostering a society that celebrates diversity and embraces the power of art to provoke thought and inspire change.
