Celebrate queer storytelling and the universal right to love with the Five Films for Freedom 2025.

The British Council, in partnership with BPI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival rings in the return of the Five Films for Freedom  to the Philippines on Mar. 19, 2025. The festival will showcase five powerful LGBTQIA+ short films from Indonesia, New Zealand, the United States, China, and the United Kingdom, in celebration of queer storytelling and the universal right to love.

The Five Films For Freedom has given a voice to diverse LGBTQIA+ voices for over a decade, reaching 26 million people across 200+ countries and territories. Originally an online film festival, the British Council will be bringing the films to local audiences in the Philippines by hosting in-person screenings and creating meaningful spaces for discussion, representation, and solidarity.

Five Films, Five Powerful Stories

The Five Films For Freedom’s 2025 selection offers bold, thought-provoking narratives that explore resilience, identity and belonging:

DragFox (UK)

Directed by Lisa Ott

Synopsis: 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 (United States/China)

Directed by Andre Shen

Synopsis: 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!!! (Indonesia)

Directed by Oktania Hamdani and Winner Wijaya

Synopsis: 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 (UK)

Directed by Cameron Richards and Charlie Tidmas

Synopsis: 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! (New Zealand)

Directed by Ramon Te Wake

Synopsis: 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?

Five Films Screenings in the Philippines

The British Council in the Philippines will be presenting these films to physical venues, allowing audiences to experience their impact in a communal setting. These screenings will not only celebrate LGBTQIA+ storytelling but also spark important conversations about identity, representation, and inclusion in the Philippine context.

These in-person screenings will be held in partnership with the University of the Philippines – Cebu, Negros Museum, and National Teachers College ensuring that diverse audiences can engage with the films and the conversations they inspire.

Screening schedules

Mar. 19, 2025 – 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Lawak Sinehan, UP Cebu, Cebu City
Open to the public, with a post-screening panel

Mar. 21, 2025 – 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM; 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Cinematheque, Negros Museum, Bacolod City
Open to the public; afternoon session with post-screening panel

Mar. 24, 26, 27, and 28, 2025
National Teachers College
Private screenings

Audiences in other countries can watch the films for free online from Mar. 19 to 30, 2025, via YouTube and through the British Council’s digital platforms.

For more details on the Five Films For Freedom, check out the British Council’s website, and the British Council Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram pages.