What is it like to be queer in different countries? (Sabong News)

In the Philippines, the LGBTQIA+ Community’s presence on mass media is as vibrant as its rainbow flag. We see queer stories narrated by queer creatives on different platforms, giving Filipinos a large view of what is it like to be part of their community. But did you ever wonder what life is like for LGBTQIA+ individuals overseas? While there are themes that make their stories similar to what Filipino queer folks are experiencing, For its eighth year, “Five Films For Freedom,” a film program by the British Council in partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, brings on the screen five LGBTQIA+ featurettes from China, Croatia, India, Panama, and the UK. Since 2015, “Five Films For Freedom,” dubbed as the world’s widest LGBTQIA+ digital campaign, has been viewed 17 million times by people in over 200 countries and principalities, including all parts of the world where homosexuality is criminalized, and all countries where the death penalty is in place. And for the first time, the showcased films will be seen by local viewers with Filipino subtitles. “This year’s films represent a selection of exciting voices from across the world, telling stories about the queer experience that is still rarely seen in many places,” British Council’s Director of Film, Briony Hanson, said. “As LGBTQIA+ people across the world continue to fight for basic rights, #FiveFilmsForFreedom is as important as ever, driving home the message that love is a human right, no matter how we identify or where we are. We can’t wait for a global audience to enjoy them.” “Five Films For Freedom is an essential moment in the global queer film calendar, uniting people across the world by giving free access to an incredible selection of shorts films,” Michael Blyth, BFI Flare’s senior programmer, said. “Not everyone has the same level of access to LGBTQIA+ film and images as we do in the UK, and this opportunity to bring queer work to millions of people remains as vital and meaningful as ever.” This year, the program of films features works by award-winning filmmakers selected by BFI Flare, exploring themes including immigration, intimacy, and isolation. Check them out below: British-Nigerian Director Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor’s short film focuses on illegal immigrant Nkechi and the unique challenges she faces due to her sexual identity. Croatian comic artist and animation director Marko Dješka’s animated film follows the story of trans girl Matia’s transition and her quest for love. Indian director Arun Fulura’s film examines the desire and loneliness of a middle-aged man on his weekly visit to the barbers. Panamanian Judith Corro presents in her scriptwriter and directorial debut film a story about parents denying their son’s identity as a young trans man. An experimental short film, Chinese director Hao Zhou’s work combines scenes from rural Iowa and rural China to explore anxiety, dislocation, and self-exile. As in the last two years, the British Council has partnered with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), a strong supporter of films championing gender equality and anti-discrimination, to promote the digital campaign. Global audiences are encouraged to show solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities around the world where freedom and equal rights are limited by watching the films via the , until March 27.