From animated foxes to trans football clubs, give these short films a watch this March
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY LISA OTT
With stories from Indonesia, New Zealand, China and Switzerland, BFI Flare’s Five Films For Freedom will return on 19 March. Continuing the festival’s long-standing partnership with the British Council, these short films from around the world will be free for anyone to watch.
Launched in 2015, Five Films For Freedom has reached 26 million people in over 200 countries worldwide. For some viewers, it may be some of the only LGBTQIA representation they have access to.
Briony Hanson, Director of Film at the British Council, said: “Five Films For Freedom has always been about more than just showcasing great LGBTQIA+ films – it’s a commitment to creating a space where stories that are often marginalised can thrive. This year’s selection reflects a diversity of voices and experiences that continue to challenge assumptions about identity, love and belonging.”
Kristy Matheson, Director for BFI Festivals, added: “As we embark on the 11th edition of Five Films For Freedom, we continue to be inspired by the enormous creativity of LGBTQIA+ storytelling and the power of the short film medium to spark connection and conversation.”
The five short films chosen this year offer powerful narratives on resilience, identity, and the power of community. Here are the films you can watch this year.
DragFox
Directed by Lisa Ott (UK – 8 minutes)
Eleven-year-old Sam, struggling with their gender identity, feels lost – until a mischievous fox (voiced by Ian McKellen) leaps through their window, leading them on a musical journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
If I Make It To The Morning
Directed by Andre Shen 沈天扬 (USA/China – 9 minutes)
On the final night of her college tour, Chinese teen Ziyi stays with her cool aunt in New York, dreaming of studying there – until an unexpected revelation stirs tension.
NGGAK!!!
Directed by Oktania Hamdani and Winner Wijaya (Indonesia – 8 minutes)
While gaming online, girlfriends Sekar and Bebi share laughs and memes – until Sekar’s mother calls, arranging a match for her. Can she make her mother see she’s already found the one?
We’ll Go Down In History
Directed by Cameron Richards and Charlie Tidmas (UK – 25 minutes)
A heartfelt two-year documentary following TRUK United, a proudly trans football club founded in 2021, as they battle challenges on and off the pitch to build a safe, inclusive community amid rising transphobia.
Wait, Wait, Now!
Directed Ramon Te Wake (New Zealand – 12 minutes)
Left home alone, best friends Alex and Sam raid Mum’s wardrobe, embracing a fantasy world where they feel safe – until their parents catch on. Is their bubble about to burst?
Find out more about Five Films For Freedom: film.britishcouncil.org/about/work/fivefilmsforfreedom
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