Five Films for Freedom – Screening in India
Join us for a special screening of Five Films for Freedom, the world’s largest online celebration of LGBTQIA+ themed short films. Presented by the British Council in partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, the programme showcases five powerful short films from filmmakers around the world.
This year’s selection brings together stories from the UK, Mexico, Brazil, Vietnam and France, highlighting diverse perspectives on identity, love, resilience and belonging. Through intimate storytelling and bold cinematic voices, the films explore the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ communities across different cultural contexts.
The screening in India offers audiences the opportunity to experience these global stories together and engage in a conversation about representation, rights, and the power of film to foster empathy and dialogue. Following the screening, panel discussions will bring together voices from the creative and cultural sectors to reflect on the themes emerging from this year’s films and the role of storytelling in advancing inclusion.
In collaboration with the British Council and The Queer Muslim Project, our focus is on fostering inclusivity and cultural exchange to amplify LGBTQIA+ narratives and advocate for love as a fundamental human right.
Everyone is welcome to attend and be part of this global moment celebrating LGBTQIA+ voices through cinema.
Follow the schedule below to find a screening near you.
| City | Date | Time | Venue | Partners |
| Ahmedabad - Screening | 18-Mar | 19:00 | Conflictorium | |
| Pune - Screening | 19-Mar | 17:00 | Pune International Centre | |
| Ahmedabad - Screening | 21-Mar | 18:30 | Arthshila | |
| Jodhpur - Screening | 22-Mar | 15:00 | Sambhali Trust | |
| New Delhi - Screening | 22-Mar | 16:00 | India Habitat Centre | Habitat International Film Festival |
| Chandigarh - Screening | 23-Mar | TBC | TBC | |
| Mumbai - Screening | 23-Mar | 14:30 | Whistling Woods Auditorium | |
| Bengaluru - Screening & Panel Discussion | 25-Mar | 18:30 | Alliance Française Bangalore | Bangalore International Short Film Festival |
| Santiniketan - Screening | 27-Mar | 17:30 | Arthshila | |
| New Delhi - Screening & Conversation – launch of Language is a Queer Thing impact report | 27-Mar | 17:30 | British Council New Delhi | British Council, British High Commission,The Queer Muslim Project |
| Kolkata - Screening & Panel Discussion | 27-Mar | 18:00 | British Council Library | British Council, British Deputy High Commission, EUNIC |
| Chennai - Clowning Workshop | 28-Mar | 10:00 | Alliance Française Chennai | Thirunar Archives |
| Chennai - Screening & Q&A | 28-Mar | 17:00 | Alliance Française Chennai | |
| Mumbai - Screening & Film Masterclass | 28-Mar | 18:00 | Little Theatre | Gaysi Family & National Centre for the Performing Arts |
| Bengaluru - Screening & Discussion | 28-Mar | 18:30 | Third Space Indiranagar | |
About the Films
This year’s five featured films are:
I HATE HELEN
Director Katie Lambert, UK
Priya hates Helen. She hates her in the canteen. Hates her in science. Especially hates her at swimming. Mostly, Priya hates the way Helen makes her feel. A short film about the tidal wave of lust some girls feel in school and letting those feelings just wash over you.
RAG DOLLS
Director Amy Adler, USA / Mexico
Married couple Rosalinda (born with spina bifida) and Diana (who has cerebral palsy) navigate life in Puebla, Mexico, where disability intersects with discrimination and poverty. Abandoned by family, underserved by government support systems, and facing persistent homophobia, the women have built a life centred on mutual care and protection. Observing a single ordinary day, the film follows their routines, a romantic date, and moments of reflection on their enduring love.
ROOM 206
Director Laurie Bisceglia, France
After undergoing gender-affirming surgery, Clair no longer cares what the world thinks. Reclaiming his body becomes a path toward self-recognition for the first time in his life. This documentary accompanies him not only through physical change, but towards emotional renewal and a new beginning.
SWEAT (Mồ Hôi)
Director Edward Nguyen, Vietnam
On the eve of leaving rural Vietnam, farm worker Hung prepares to illegally cross the border in search of refuge abroad. Defined by routine and labour, his final day with Hoang, a fellow worker, reshapes his understanding of desire, intimacy and selfhood.
THEO
Director Monica Palazzo & Jo Galvv, Brazil
Brazil, 1986. During the World Cup, seven-year-old Theo quietly navigates school life while defying rigid gender expectations. Between silence and rebellion, they begin inventing their own way of existing.
Find out more about Five Films for Freedom. Watch the trailer here.