If commercial films are not your cup of tea and if you are looking forward to something more meaningful to stimulate your soul then it’s time to check out the five short films being screened by British Council.
The fifth season of #FiveFilms4Freedom, the world’s widest-reaching LGBTQ+ digital campaign is a partnership between the British Council and BFI Flare: London LGBTQ+ Film Festival. The latest season holds significance as it is part of Anyone/Anywhere: the web at 30, British Council’s global campaign acknowledging and celebrating the impact of the world wide web on every aspect of our lives over the past 30 years.
This year’s #FiveFilms4Freedom collection features a range of compelling and thought-provoking stories, including one made under the guidance of legendary filmmaker, Werner Herzog. Two UK films are also included in this year’s programme. All five films will be available to view till March 31 via the British Council Arts YouTube channel, free of charge.
A Normal Girl (USA)
A Normal Girl brings the widely unknown struggles of intersex people to light, through the story of intersex activist Pidgeon Pagonis. Aubree Bernier-Clarke, a non-binary director and cinematographer based in Los Angeles, CA is committed to using film to tell diverse stories, often focusing on LGBTQ+ and social justice issues.
Carlito Se Ve Para Siempre / Carlito Leaves Forever (Peru/France)
A short poetic film following Carlito, Carlito Se Ve Para Siempre chronicles around a young man living in an indigenous village at the heart of the Amazonian jungle, who decided to leave and change his life forever. It is Quentin Lazzarotto’s second film.
Crashing Waves (UK)
When two young working-class men explore the intimacy and vulnerability of relationships in a combative dance against the backdrop of an inner city estate, risking all under the scrutiny of a tight-knit, ever judging community, Crashin Waves is born. By Emma Gilbertson, a UK-based filmmaker, who is originally from Liverpool and who is has a keen interest in films about working class, queer and female identity, the film is a must watch.
ÉG / I (Iceland)
This Vala Ómarsdóttir film is about a young trans person living in a small town who travels to the city searching for the freedom to be their self. Ómarsdóttir is a film director and writer from Iceland and the co-founder of GERVI Productions.
Ladies Day (UK)
Ladies Day is about Amma, a young, black lesbian who spends the day in an Afro-Caribbean hair salon full of fun, sheen spray, gossip and laughter - but how will she deal with the casual homophobia? Abena Taylor-Smith’s story makes for a moving tale.
