Five Films For Freedom is the world’s widest-reaching LGBTIQ+ digital programme. This year’s programme runs from 17-28 March 2021
The British Council, in partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTIQ+ Film Festival, makes five LGBTIQ+ themed short films available for the world to watch online for free, over a 12 day period each year.
The programme, which features work by filmmakers from across the world, is selected from and coincides with BFI Flare. Over the 12 days, we encourage everyone, everywhere to watch the films in solidarity with LGBTIQ+ communities.
Running since 2015, the programme has received over 15 million views in more than 200 countries and principalities.
Our 2021 programme
- Pure
(USA / Directed by Natalie Jasmine Harris)
On the eve of her cotillian ball, a young Black girl grapples with her queer identity and questions her purity. - Victoria
(Spain / Directed by Daniel Toledo)
A bittersweet reunion between a trans woman and her ex sparks tension and a long buried resentment. - Trans Happiness is Real
(UK / Directed by Quinton Baker)
A transgender activist takes to the streets of Oxford to fight anti-trans sentiment through graffiti. - Bodies of Desire
(India / Directed by Varsha Panikar, Saad Nawab)
Using Varsha Panikar's poetry series of the same name, Bodies of Desire is a visual poetry film capturing four sets of lovers amid passion. - Land of the Free
(Swede / Directed by Dawid Ullgren)
David and his friends celebrate his 25th birthday with a swim at the beach. The good mood quickly changes after two straight couples walk by and laugh. But was the laughter directed at them? And who owns the truth of what exactly happened?