The British Council’s Five Films for Freedom returns in 2025, bringing powerful short films that celebrate LGBTQ+ voices from around the world. Running from March 19 to 30, the program offers free online streaming via the British Arts YouTube channel. In partnership with the BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, Five Films for Freedom showcases diverse and inclusive stories from Indonesia, New Zealand, the United States, China, and the UK.
Since its debut in 2015, the initiative has reached over 26 million people globally, shining a light on emerging LGBTQ+ filmmakers and amplifying their stories. The program continues to provide a platform for meaningful conversations about LGBTQ+ rights, identity, and allyship.
Film Highlights for 2025
This year’s lineup is a compelling mix of thought-provoking narratives and powerful storytelling. “DragFox” by Lisa Ott follows Sam, a young woman exploring her gender identity, who embarks on a magical journey of self-discovery with a talking fox voiced by Ian McKellen. “If I Make it to the Morning” by Andre Shen tells the emotional story of Ziyi, a Chinese teen navigating tension with her family while living in New York.
In “NGGAK!!!”, directors Oktania Hamdani and Winner Wijaya bring us the story of two girlfriends, Sekar and Bebi, whose gaming world is disrupted when Sekar’s mother arranges an unexpected match for them. “We’ll Go Down in History” by Cameron Richards and Charlie Tidmas is a documentary about TRUK United, a trans football club founded in 2021, providing a safe community for trans individuals facing discrimination. Lastly, “Wait, Wait, Now!” by Ramon Te Wake tells the playful yet heartfelt story of two friends who raid a closet and are caught by their parents.
Screenings in the Philippines
In addition to online access, there will be on-site screenings in select cities across the Philippines:
- - Lawak Sinehan, UP Cebu – March 19, 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- - Cinematheque, Negros Museum – March 21, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:40 p.m.
- - National Teachers College, Manila – March 24, 26, 27, 28.
