The Golden Orange Film Festival, Turkey's oldest film festival, has been canceled due to a political controversy surrounding a documentary about the aftermath of a 2016 coup attempt, according to the Associated Press.

Antalya Mayor Muhittin Bocek announced the cancellation of the festival after the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry withdrew its support, objecting to the documentary titled "The Decree."

The film highlights the challenges faced by a teacher and a doctor who were dismissed from their jobs following the attempted coup.

The Culture Ministry stated, "It is extremely sad that in such an important festival, the power of art is used to make propaganda for the FETO terrorist organization through the perception of victimhood."

FETO is the term used by the Turkish government for the movement led by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the government holds responsible for the failed coup.

The festival organizers initially removed "The Decree" from the program due to ongoing legal proceedings. This decision led to widespread criticism and resignations from the festival jury.

Eventually, the film was reinstated in the program after it was confirmed that the trial of the featured person had concluded.

The festival, which has been held since 1963 in the Mediterranean city of Antalya, is a significant event in the Turkish cultural calendar. This year's edition was scheduled to take place from October 7 to 14.