#FiveFilms4Freedom: a global LGBTQ+ short-film celebration

21 – 31 March 2019

The world’s widest-reaching LGBTQ+ digital campaign returns from 21 to 31 March 2019.

The British Council, in partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQ+ Film Festival, makes five LGBTQ+ themed short films available for the world to watch online for free, over an 11-day period each year.

The programme, which features work by emerging filmmakers from across the world, is selected from and coincides with BFI Flare. Through our global network in more than 100 countries, we encourage people to watch the films in solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities in places where freedom and equal rights are limited.

We ask audiences to share the films using the hashtag #FiveFilms4Freedom in recognition of the fact that Love is a Human Right.

Running since 2015, the programme has seen more than 10 million people viewing one of the films in more than 200 countries and principalities, including many parts of the world where homosexuality is criminalised, and in some cases, punishable by the death penalty.

The films will be available from 21 March here: https://www.britishcouncil.org/arts/fivefilms4freedom

2019 films

CRASHING WAVES (UK)

Emma Gilbertson, Director Amir Majlessi, Producer

Two young working-class men explore the intimacy and vulnerability of relationships in a combative dance against the backdrop of an inner-city estate, risking all under the scrutiny of a tight-knit, ever-judging community.

Watch an interview with Emma Gilbertson and Amir Majlesso

CARLITO SE VA PARA SIEMPRE/CARLITO LEAVES FOREVER (PERU/FRANCE)

Quentin Lazzarotto, Director

A short, poetic film following Carlito, a young man living in an indigenous village at the heart of the Amazonian jungle, who decided to leave and change his life forever.

Watch an interview with Quentin Lazzarotto

LADIES DAY (UK)

Abena Taylor-Smith, Director Loran Dunn, Producer

Amma, a young, black lesbian, spends the day in an Afro-Caribbean hair salon full of fun, sheen spray, gossip and laughter - but how will she deal with the casual homophobia?

Watch an interview with Abena Taylor-Smith

EG/I (ICELAND)

Vala Ómarsdóttir and Hallfriður Thora Tryggvadottir, Writers/Directors Ugla Stefanía Kristjönudóttir Jónsdóttir, Co-Creator 

A young trans person living in a small town travels to the city searching for the freedom to be their self.

Watch an interview with Hallfriður Thora Tryggvadottir and Ugla Stefaní Kristjönudóttir Jónsdóttira

A NORMAL GIRL (US)

Aubree Bernier-Clarke, Director Shawna Lipton, Producer Pidgeon Pagonis, Producer and Lead 

1.5 per cent of people are born with an anatomy that doesn’t fit typical definitions of female or male. It is common practice for doctors to perform genital surgeries on intersex infants - often with disastrous results. A Normal Girl brings the widely unknown struggles of intersex people to light, through the story of intersex activist Pidgeon Pagonis.

Watch an interview with Aubree Bernier-Clarke and Pidgeon Pagonis

Join us on Twitter  using #FiveFilms4Freedom and help spread the word!

This year, #FiveFilmsforFreedom is part of Anyone//Anywhere: the web at 30, our global season looking at the impact of this invention on every aspect of our lives.