Five Films for Freedom, the world's widest-reaching LGBTQIA+ digital campaign, returns on 13 March, marking a decade of celebrating diverse stories from across the globe. This year, the campaign brings five compelling new films from the Philippines, India, Spain, the UK, and the USA to audiences worldwide.
Continuing its longstanding partnership with the BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, proudly presents this year's lineup of short films. In celebration of its tenth anniversary, this edition of Five Films for Freedom showcases LGBTQIA+ narratives that resonate with resilience and authenticity. From the historic defiance captured in Compton's 22 in San Francisco to the poignant exploration of love and understanding in Halfway, this year's selection promises to captivate audiences. The lineup includes Little One, Cursive, and The First Kiss, each delving into themes of family, identity, and the universal quest for acceptance. These films offer powerful perspectives on the LGBTQIA+ experience, inspiring conversations and fostering empathy worldwide.
From 13 to 24 March 2024, audiences everywhere are invited to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of LGBTQIA+ cinema, all from the comfort of their own homes. Audiences are encouraged to watch the films and share their experiences using the hashtag #FiveFilmsForFreedom.
Five Films for Freedom - India
In India, in partnership with The Queer Muslim Project, 12 screenings for the films will be held in 10 cities across India with 10 partners, as mentioned in the schedule below.
In partnership with JioTV and JioTV+, the films are available to watch online for free until 24 March on Jio TV and the British Council Arts YouTube channel.
This year’s selection includes an Indian short film titled Halfway, directed by Kumar Chheda. Kumar will be part of the 2024 India campaign for the Five Films For Freedom in Delhi.