Five Films For Freedom returns on 19 March 2025, showcasing five powerful LGBTQIA+ short films from Indonesia, New Zealand, USA/China, and the UK. A celebration of queer storytelling and the universal right to love, the British Council presents the programme in partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival.
Five Films For Freedom has amplified diverse LGBTQIA+ voices worldwide for over a decade, reaching 26 million people across 200+ countries and territories. This year, in addition to global online access, the British Council brings these films to local audiences in the Philippines by hosting in-person screenings and creating meaningful spaces for discussion, representation, and solidarity.
Five Films, Five Powerful Stories
This year’s selection offers bold, thought-provoking narratives that explore resilience, identity, and belonging:
- DragFox (UK – 8 minutes)
Directed by Lisa Ott
Eleven-year-old Sam, struggling with their gender identity, feels lost—until a mischievous fox (voiced by Ian McKellen) leaps through their window, leading them on a musical journey of self-discovery and acceptance. - If I Make it to the Morning (USA/China – 9 minutes)
Directed by Andre Shen 沈天洋
On the final night of her college tour, Chinese teen Ziyi stays with her cool aunt in New York, dreaming of studying there—until an unexpected revelation stirs tension. - NGGAK!!! (Indonesia – 8 minutes)
Directed by Oktania Hamdani and Winner Wijaya
While gaming online, girlfriends Sekar and Bebi share laughs and memes—until Sekar’s mother calls, arranging a match for her. Can she make her mother see she’s already found the one? - We’ll Go Down in History (UK – 25 minutes)
Directed by Cameron Richards and Charlie Tidmas
A heartfelt two-year documentary following TRUK United, a proudly trans football club founded in 2021, as they battle challenges on and off the pitch to build a safe, inclusive community amid rising transphobia. - Wait, Wait, Now! (New Zealand – 12 minutes)
Directed by Ramon Te Wake
Left home alone, best friends Alex and Sam raid Mum’s wardrobe, embracing a fantasy world where they feel safe—until their parents catch on. Is their bubble about to burst?
Five Films Screenings in the Philippines
The British Council in the Philippines is bringing these films to physical venues, allowing audiences to experience their impact in a communal setting. These screenings will not only celebrate LGBTQIA+ storytelling but also spark important conversations about identity, representation, and inclusion in the Philippine context.
“Five Films For Freedom is more than just a film programme—it’s a global movement that champions freedom of expression and the right to love without barriers. By sharing these stories, we continue to create safe spaces for dialogue, representation, and solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines and beyond,” said Lotus Postrado, Country Director, British Council in the Philippines.
These in-person screenings will be held in partnership with University of the Philippines – Cebu, Negros Museum, and National Teachers College ensuring that diverse audiences can engage with the films and the conversations they inspire.
Screening Schedules
- 19 March 2025 – 14:30-18:00
Lawak Sinehan, UP Cebu, Cebu City
Open to the public, with post-screening panel - 21 March 2025 – 09:00-12:30; 15:30-18:30
Cinematheque, Negros Museum, Bacolod City
Open to the public; afternoon session with post-screening panel - 24, 26, 27, and 28 March
National Teachers College
Private screenings
Alongside the events, audiences worldwide can watch the films for free online from 19–30 March 2025 via YouTube and through the British Council’s digital platforms.
A Global Platform for LGBTQIA+ Voices
Since its launch in 2015, Five Films For Freedom has provided a global stage for emerging and underrepresented queer filmmakers, fostering dialogue on LGBTQIA+ rights through the power of film. Now in its 11th year, the initiative continues to stand as a testament to the power of storytelling in building understanding and empathy across cultures.
“Five Films For Freedom has always been about more than just showcasing great LGBTQIA+ films—it’s a commitment to creating a space where stories that are often marginalised can thrive. This year’s selection reflects a diversity of voices and experiences that continue to challenge assumptions about identity, love, and belonging,” said Briony Hanson, Director of Film, British Council.
“BFI Flare is a place for community, thought, and discussion through films, and over the last decade, it’s been a privilege and a joy for our team to work with filmmakers and the British Council to expand this space across the globe,” said Kristy Matheson, Director, BFI Festivals.
As the initiative enters its 11th year, Five Films For Freedom 2025 continues to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices, fostering global solidarity and bringing compelling queer stories to the forefront.
