MEMORY-LIKE: An Oral History of QueerFest(2025)

MEMORY-LIKE: An Oral History of QueerFest Synopsis

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.

MEMORY-LIKE: An Oral History of QueerFest (2025) is a documentary and history film directed by Asya Leman, released on January 22, 2025 with a runtime of 45m. It stars Bilge Taş, Müge Atala and Koray Özbal.