by VERCIHAN ZIFLIOGLU
When films around the theme of gays and lesbians began to screen nine years ago in Turkey, it caused a public debate. But International Independent Film Festival proceeded to feature them despite some negative public reactions
Nine years ago, Turkey’s first independent film festival, if Istanbul, added a special section titled “Rainbow,” highlighting the Turkish taboo on freedom of sexual expression.
Sexuality is still regarded as a taboo in Turkish society. People are still marginalized and excluded from society for their sexual preferences. When the film festival included the new category in its program shining light on alternative lifestyles, the issue created a stir in public opinion.
The films in this section were very different from others in terms of their plots, as the section aimed to bring Turkish audiences together with productions of international directors highlighting different sexual alternatives.
Despite harsh criticism from the public, the festival management did not step down. The section was expected to be followed by mostly gays and lesbians, but it has drawn interest from many festival attendants. Turkish cinema audiences have succeeded at dropping societal taboos and becoming a tolerant audience for the “Rainbow” films along with gays and lesbians.
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