Governor bans film at festival in Batman

BATMAN - Doğan News Agency

The Batman Governor’s Office has banned the documentary “Bir Başkaldırı Destanı: Berivan” (The Saga of a Rebellion: Berivan) from being screened at the Yılmaz Güney Film Festival for falsifying historical events and conducting propaganda for a terror organization.

Directed by Aydın Orak, the film tells of the incidents that took place in the southeastern province of Şırnak during the 1992 Nevruz celebrations. The governor’s office said in its decision that the film was against the fundamental principles of the Constitution.

Reacting against the ban, Batman Deputy Mayor Gülistan Akel said: “We face a decision that overshadows our festival. But we are proud of organizing this festival in the name of [famous Turkish-Kurdish director] Yılmaz Güney.”

Director Dicle Anter announced the authorities’ decision to audiences in the southeastern province at the time of the screening, while Orak explained why the film was banned.

Film shown in festivals

The film, which has previously appeared at the 30th Istanbul International Film Festival and in more than 10 European countries, did not get a bandrol, a type of tax label, from the Culture and Tourism Ministry because it allegedly falsified historical truths, incited hatred among Turkish people and made propaganda for a terrorist organization.

The ministry also banned the film’s distribution in Turkey although it was previously screened at the Cannes Film Festival.