Five Films For Freedom, the world’s widest-reaching LGBTQIA+ digital campaign, returns on 13 March bringing five new films from the Philippines, India, Spain, the UK and USA to audiences across the world.
Over two weeks (13 to 24 March 2024) audiences worldwide are invited to dive into the world of LGBTQIA+ cinema from the comfort of their own homes and watch the films online for free. In order to celebrate the 10 years of global LGBTIQA+ stories online, this year the British Council in Thailand has collaborated with the the Film Archive to hold a special ‘Five Films For Freedom’ exclusive screening event with a panel discussion featured experts and Thai filmmakers on Saturday 16 March 2024 at the Film Archive.
The film programme continues the British Council’s partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, with the short films promoted across the British Council’s global digital networks and BFI Player for free.
Our tenth anniversary edition will showcase global LGBTQIA+ stories that resonate with strength and spirit, from the historic defiance of Compton’s 22 in San Francisco to the heartfelt journey of love and understanding in Halfway. This year’s selection, including Little One, Cursive, and The First Kiss, dives deep into themes of family, identity, and the universal quest for acceptance.
“We are immensely proud to mark the tenth anniversary of Five Films for Freedom,” said British Council Director of Film, Briony Hanson.
“This platform has not only provided a vital space for LGBTQIA+ stories to be heard but has also fostered a global movement for equality and acceptance. As we celebrate this milestone, we invite audiences everywhere to join us in championing love in all its forms.”
“It is a privilege to showcase the exceptional work of these immensely talented filmmakers to audiences worldwide,” said Director of the British Council in Thailand, Mr Danny Whitehead.
“Celebrating 10 years of global LGBTIQA+ stories online, the British Council in Thailand has collaborated with the Film Archive to hold a special ‘Five Films For Freedom’ exclusive screening event with a panel discussion featured experts and Thai filmmakers including Dr. Charlin Nukul, Tanwarin Sukkhapisit and Muangthai Sarupkarn on Saturday 16 March 2024. Throughout the ten-year journey of Five Films For Freedom, we’ve been able to reach over 23 million viewers globally with these remarkable films. We take pride in our ongoing commitment to supporting this initiative, which not only sheds light on new narratives but also fosters new connections and understanding.”
Audiences in Thailand are encouraged to watch the films online for free from 13 to 24 March 2024 at our British Arts YouTube channel, and share their experiences using the hashtag #FiveFilmsForFreedom. For those who are interested to join the exclusive screening event on 16 March 2024 at the Film Archive, please make a reservation at www.fapot.or.th (free of charge).
Little One
Directed by Clister Santos (Philippines – 9 mins)
A pregnant mother, unsure of how to raise a child, arranges an interview with her two gay dads but fate intervenes when his dad suffers a heart attack. Her dad reflects on their family’s history, captured on an old camcorder.
Halfway
Directed by Kumar Chheda (India – 14 mins)
A turbulent couple ends up at different entrances of Juhu Beach, forcing them to walk towards each other and meet halfway.
Cursive
Directed by Isabel Steubel Johnson (UK – 9 mins)
When a woman on the verge of a breakup gets help from a mysterious stranger to improve her handwriting, she finds the inner voice she longed for all along.
The First Kiss
Directed by Miguel Lafuente (Spain – 9 mins)
Today is a special day for Andi, he is going to Madrid to have his first date with a boy he’s met online.
Compton’s 22
Directed by Drew de Pinto (USA – 18 mins)
Three years prior to Stonewall, transgender sex workers and drag queens revolted against police violence at Compton’s Cafeteria in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district.
