MEMORY-LIKE: An Oral History of QueerFest (2025)
Not only a film festival, but also a space for resistance
The documentary focuses on the story of QueerFest, the first and only LGBTI+ film festival in Turkey, which has been organized in Ankara since 2011. Through interviews with the founders of QueerFest, volunteers and staff who have contributed to the festival, the 14-year journey of the festival and the culture and arts landscape shaped by Turkey's political climate are told. QueerFest's self-organizational connection with the Pink Life Association, its connection with the “lubunya” (queer community) of Ankara and the cultural capital it inherited from there, is transformed into a powerful political voice by developing the practice of mobilizing through art. Since 2017, the festival has continued its resistance against the bans and heavy censorship obstacles every year and opens a space for many queer people living in Turkey who are interested in the field of culture and art and want to produce in this sphere.
Cast
Keywords
lgbt activism, lgbt rights
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is MEMORY-LIKE: An Oral History of QueerFest about?
- The documentary focuses on the story of QueerFest, the first and only LGBTI+ film festival in Turkey, which has been organized in Ankara since 2011. Through interviews with the founders of QueerFest, volunteers and staff who have contributed to the festival, the 14-year journey of the festival and the culture and arts landscape shaped by Turkey's political climate are told. QueerFest's self-organizational connection with the Pink Life Association, its connection with the “lubunya” (queer community) of Ankara and the cultural capital it inherited from there, is transformed into a powerful political voice by developing the practice of mobilizing through art. Since 2017, the festival has continued its resistance against the bans and heavy censorship obstacles every year and opens a space for many queer people living in Turkey who are interested in the field of culture and art and want to produce in this sphere.
- Who directed MEMORY-LIKE: An Oral History of QueerFest?
- MEMORY-LIKE: An Oral History of QueerFest was directed by Asya Leman, Sumru Kesik.
- Who stars in MEMORY-LIKE: An Oral History of QueerFest?
- MEMORY-LIKE: An Oral History of QueerFest stars Bilge Taş, Müge Atala, Koray Özbal.
- How long is MEMORY-LIKE: An Oral History of QueerFest?
- MEMORY-LIKE: An Oral History of QueerFest has a runtime of 45m (45 minutes).
- What genre is MEMORY-LIKE: An Oral History of QueerFest?
- MEMORY-LIKE: An Oral History of QueerFest is a Documentary, History film.
- Where was MEMORY-LIKE: An Oral History of QueerFest produced?
- MEMORY-LIKE: An Oral History of QueerFest was produced in Turkey.