The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced its withdrawal from the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival after the documentary "Kanun Hükmü," directed by Nejla Demirci and depicting the struggle of two dismissed public employees, was reinstated in the festival program.
Following these two statements, social media has been filled with messages highlighting the importance of solidarity, while some have commented on the Ministry's decision by stating that "Kanun Hükmü" has no connection to the Ministry's allegations.
The Ministry of Culture released a statement regarding the film, saying, "It is extremely saddening that in such an important festival, the perception of victimization is used through the power of art to propagate the FETÖ terrorist organization."
Responses
Film critic Şenay Aydemir commented on the situation, saying, "The Ministry of Culture revealing its censorship after coming out of the shadows is the result of the filmmakers' struggle. This uncompromising stance first forced the festival management to backtrack, and then the Ministry showed its face. Struggles bring enlightenment!"
Director and film writer Fırat Yücel shared his perspective, stating, "I watched the film. 'Kanun Hükmü' documentary has no connection to the Ministry's allegations, not to mention there is a decision from the Constitutional Court (AYM). The Ministry of Culture and Tourism must not have watched the film."
Director Ezel Akay also voiced his opinion, saying, "Well? I couldn't see any provocation, organization propaganda, or discrediting in this documentary. Of course, the creators will never accept these accusations, and apparently, justice and law didn't either. Regardless, does the Ministry of Culture, which is supposed to represent our culture, want censorship of an idea and artistic work that belongs to us? This statement is highly inappropriate!"
Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu, Green Left Party and a MP from Kocaeli, celebrated the victory, saying, "And we won! Civil resistance made the festival management step back. Long live resistance! The documentary film 'Kanun Hükmü,' which tells the story of the decree law oppression, will be screened at the Antalya Film Festival."
Mustafa Yeneroğlu, a DEVA Party MP, criticized the Ministry's decision, stating, "This unfortunate decision by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is also evidence of how far the government is from the understanding of the rule of law: While the Constitutional Court found it against freedom of expression to prevent the shooting of the documentary 'Kanun Hükmü,' the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, instead of the court, makes this interpretation, which is tantamount to ignoring the court decision."
Actor Nihal Yalçın emphasized the importance of the determination of filmmakers at the festival, saying, "If the filmmakers at the festival hadn't stood their ground, the documentary film 'Kanun Hükmü' wouldn't have been reinstated in the selection!" (AÖ/VK)