Get to watch free short films as Five Films for Freedom, the world’s widest-reaching LGBTQIA+ digital campaign, returns this March.
The free screenings are sponsored by the British Council of the Philippines and the Film Development Council in the Philippines (FDCP). Five Films for Freedom runs from March 21 to 22, 2023, at all FDCP Cinematheque Centers in the country.
The short films chosen by the British Council explore subjects such as violence and security, love across borders, and shifting identities.
According to Briony Hanson, British Council Director of Film, the movies aim to support LGBTQIA+ rights even in countries where it is still illegal.
“Five Films for Freedom promotes rarely heard LGBTQIA+ stories from around the world, and makes them accessible to a global audience, particularly for people living in cultures where they cannot live or love as they would like,” Hanson said.
FIVE SHORT FILMS
Here's what you need to know about the five films screening for free.
All I Know (2022)
Country: Nigeria/USA
Director: Obinna Robert Onyeri
Synopsis: A man's search for his friend puts him at risk of revealing life-altering secrets they both share.
Butch Up! (2022)
Country: South Korea
Director: Yu-jin Lee
Synopsis: "Stop being miserable." After hearing her ex's last words to her, Mi-hae, a lead singer of an independent band, cannot get herself to sing the band's most popular song, "Oppa's Girl."
Eating Papaw on the Seashore (2022)
Country: Guyana
Director: Rae Wiltshire and Nickose Layne
Synopsis: A coming-of-age film about Asim and Hasani, two queer Guyanese boys, who are navigating their feelings in a homophobic society.
Just Johnny (2021)
Country: UK/Northern Ireland
Director: Terry Loane
Synopsis: Maria and Dermot's straightforward family life takes a sudden turn when their son Johnny announces that he wants to wear a dress for his Holy Communion. Both parents are keen to do what is best for Johnny, but their different opinions almost pull the happy family apart.
Buffer Zone (2022)
Country: UK/Cyprus
Director: Savvas Stavrou
Synopsis: Two young soldiers across enemy lines fall in love and find escape from their oppressive environments through music.
screening schedule
These five short films can be viewed on the following schedules:
FDCP Cinematheque Centre – Manila
22 March 2023, 6:30 PM
FDCP Cinematheque Centre – Iloilo, Davao, Zamboanga, Nabunturan, Negros
22 March 2023, 6:30 PM
The films can also be viewed online at the British Council Arts YouTube page from March 15 to 26, 2023, to coincide with the BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival.
Since 2015, the Five Films for Freedom campaign has been viewed 20 million times in over 200 countries. The campaign also continues the British Council’s work on building connections, understanding, and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education, and English language teaching.
This year, the five selected titles have been translated and made available with subtitles/closed captioning in 23 languages.