Lights, camera, freedom! The annual Five Films for Freedom campaign is back, bringing powerful LGBTQIA+ stories to the global stage.
A partnership between the British Council and BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, this initiative amplifies voices that challenge norms, break barriers, and celebrate authenticity.
This year’s lineup features five incredible short films from around the world, each retelling stories of self-discovery, love, and resilience.
And to make things even more exciting, the program also features an award-winning short film by a Filipino filmmaker.
Ready to dive into these must-watch films? Let’s roll.
1. Dragfox (UK): A Stop-Motion Journey of Self-Discovery
What happens when an 11-year-old child questioning their gender meets a mischievous, wise-cracking fox in drag?
Dragfox, directed by Lisa Ott, takes us on a whimsical, stop-motion adventure where young Sam learns to embrace their truest self.
Why Watch?
- Voiced by the legendary Ian McKellen
- A heartwarming mix of musical fantasy and queer storytelling
- A celebration of self-expression, proving that “You can’t get being happy wrong”
2. If I Make It to the Morning (USA/China): Family, Secrets, and a Silent Goodbye
A single dinner can change everything. Andre Shen’s emotional drama follows Ziyi, a Chinese teenager touring colleges with her overbearing mother.
Staying with her progressive aunt in New York, she begins to imagine a future where she can finally be herself—until an unexpected conversation shifts the atmosphere.
Why Watch?
- A subtle yet powerful portrayal of Asian familial expectations
- A pivotal dinner scene where silence speaks louder than words
- A stunningly emotional fireworks-lit moment that will stay with you
3. NGGAK!!! (Indonesia): Love in the Digital Age, But at What Cost?
Love, memes, and video games—sounds like the perfect relationship, right?
For Sekar and Bebi, their bliss is shattered when Sekar’s mother calls with devastating news: she’s being set up for an arranged marriage.
Directed by Oktania Hamdani and Winner Wijaya, this film captures the tension between tradition and identity in Indonesia’s conservative society.
Why Watch?
- A unique storytelling format that blends screen recordings and real-time chats
- A raw, emotional take on coming out in a conservative family
- A stark look at the “exorcism” of LGBTQIA+ individuals in certain cultures
4. We’ll Go Down in History (UK): The Game-Changing Trans Football Club
Who says football isn’t for everyone? TRUK United, a UK-based trans football team, is on a mission to prove otherwise.
This documentary by Cameron Richards and Charlie Tidmas follows the highs and lows of the club’s journey, showing how sports can be a refuge in a world rife with discrimination.
Why Watch?
- A real-life story about breaking barriers in sports
- Features inspiring trans athletes fighting for inclusivity
- A bold stand against rising transphobia in the UK and beyond
5. Wait, Wait, Now! (New Zealand): When the Closet Becomes a Stage
For best friends Alex and Sam, a quiet night at home turns into a glamorous runway of self-expression.
But when their parents unexpectedly return, will their secret world come crashing down? Directed by Ramon Te Wake, this film perfectly captures the euphoria of queer joy—and the fear of losing it.
Why Watch?
- A heartfelt exploration of queer teenage experiences
- A visually stunning drag performance scene
- Ends with an unexpected twist—parents who steal the show
Special Feature: The Filipino Masterpiece “The River That Never Ends”
A bonus treat for Filipino audiences: JT Trinidad’s “The River That Never Ends” is making waves in the global film scene, winning accolades at Berlin NewGen, Singapore International Film Festival, and JOGJA NETPAC.
Set in a changing riverside town, the film follows Baby, a transwoman juggling work as a companion-for-hire while caring for her aging father. As the city transforms, Baby begins to realize that she, too, is being left behind.
Why Watch?
- A powerful commentary on trans identity and urban isolation
- Stunning cinematography that blends realism with poetic storytelling
- A Filipino director making a global impact
Watch Five Films for Freedom Online
Didn’t make it to the screening in Cebu? You can still be part of the movement. Watch all five films for free online through the British Council website at Five Films For Freedom | British Council Arts.
Experience these powerful stories, share them with others, and stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide.
The Five Films for Freedom is ultimately a celebration of diverse narratives and a reminder of cinema’s power to spark empathy, courage, and change.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an ally or part of the LGBTQIA+ community, these films will leave you reflecting on the true meaning of freedom.
So, ready to be inspired? Grab your popcorn and let’s watch history unfold on the big screen.
