Scandal over Golden Orange International Film Festival held in Antalya is stirred up. Turkish director Semih Kaplanoglu responded to Emir Kusturica’s leaving the festival. Earlier, Turkish filmmaker withdrew his drama “Bal” (Honey) from the festival program.

Talking to the Taraf daily, Kaplanoglu stated that Kusturica’s accusations are ungrounded. “Thousands know that I was among the first to sign “Forgive us Armenians” petition,” he noted.

The Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica was enraged by the s statements addressed to him by Turkish art critics and politicians and left Turkey. Before leaving, the filmmaker held a press conference and severely criticized Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay, who stated he would not take part in the festival because of the Serbian filmmaker. Kusturica said he considers the Turkish minister “an enemy” because of his behavior.

Kusturica also noted that just a few months ago he and his No Smoking Orchestra visited Bursa for a live performance, where they were greeted warmly and enthusiastically by the city’s officials. So what has happened since, that made the Minister refuse to attend the festival because of Kusturica, asked the filmmaker.