The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The British Council, in collaboration with the British BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, has launched the 10th edition of ‘Five Films for Freedom’ in India. This global digital campaign is showcasing five short films from India, Spain, the Philippines, the UK, and the US, each presenting unique LGBTQIA+ stories of resilience and authenticity.
In a significant partnership with The Queer Muslim Project, a total of 12 screenings will be conducted across 10 Indian cities. The initiative kicked off with a premier event in Delhi, aiming to highlight diverse LGBTQIA+ experiences and foster meaningful conversations on related issues.
Alison Barrett, the British Council’s Director in India, expressed enthusiasm about the continued collaboration with BFI Flare and The Queer Muslim Project, emphasizing the project’s role in celebrating diversity and enhancing cross-cultural understanding. She highlighted the initiative’s commitment to creativity, expression, and solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, underlining the British Council’s dedication to supporting programs that foster new narratives and connections.
The selected films for this year’s screenings include “The First Kiss” by Miguel Lafuente (Spain), “Little One” by Clister Santos (Philippines), “Compton’s 22” by Drew de Pinto (US), “Cursive” by Isabel Steuble-Johnson (UK), and “Halfway” by Kumar Chheda (India). Chheda expressed his delight at the international reach of his film, reflecting on the joy of connecting with audiences worldwide through cinema.
The British Council is leveraging its extensive global digital networks to promote these films, which are also accessible via the BFI Player. Screenings are taking place until March 24 in Delhi, Kolkata, Gangtok, Agartala, Shantiniketan, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Goa, providing a platform for these impactful stories to be shared and celebrated across India.