Five Films For Freedom is an online celebration of global LGBTQIA+ stories, in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and Two-Spirit rights, in partnership with BFI Flare: Film Festival.
Back for its ninth year from 15-26 March 2023, the programme will showcase five LGBTQIA+ themed short films, making them available for the world to watch online for free, as we do every year over a 12-day period.
Since its inception in 2015, this programme has reached over 20 million people worldwide with the films live for under 100 days in total. The films have been watched in more than 200 countries and principalities, including many parts of the world where homosexuality is still criminalised, and in some cases, punishable by the death penalty.
This year’s films are from Cyprus/UK, Guyana, Korea, Nigeria/USA, and Northern Ireland. Find out more from below.
Our 2023 programme
1. All I Know
Obinna Robert Onyeri
16 mins, 2022, Nigeria/USA
Two friends meet for dinner, one goes to meet a stranger for a hook-up date while the other goes home. We follow a man’s search for his friend that puts him at risk of revealing life-altering secrets they both share.
2. Eating Papaw on the Seashore
Rae Wiltshire, Nickose Layne
18 mins, 2022, Guyana
A coming-of-age film about Asim and Hasani, two queer Guyanese boys, navigating their feelings in a homophobic society.
3. Just Johnny
Terry Loane
19 mins, 2021, UK - Northern Ireland
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.
4. Butch Up!
Yu-jin Lee
12 mins, 2022, Korea
"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.
5. Buffer Zone
Savvas Stavrou
16 mins, 2022, UK/Cyprus
Two young soldiers across enemy lines fall in love and find escape from their oppressive environments through music.
