Event Details

Masterclass at 6:00pm
Film screenings at 7:30pm to 8:30pm

Supported by Bajaj Beyond

Film Screenings and Masterclass- The Queerious Business of Filmmaking

In partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, Five Films for Freedom is one of the British Council’s key global programmes, celebrating stories from communities around the world. Running since 2014, this programme makes five short films available online for free, over 12 days each year in March. In collaboration with 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.

We are excited to host an in-person screening, bringing these stories to the audience at the NCPA. Prior to the screenings, a masterclass in collaboration with Gaysi Family by Sudhanshu Saria, a National Award-winning director, writer and producer known for Loev (2017), Knock Knock Knock (2019) and Tap (2023) will be held.

Masterclass: The Queerious Business of Filmmaking

Before the screenings, join Sudhanshu Saria — National Award-winning director (Loev, Knock Knock Knock, Tap) — for an engaging masterclass in collaboration with Gaysi Family. Gain insights into queer storytelling, navigating the industry, and crafting authentic narratives.

I HATE HELEN
English (7minutes)

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 gay lust some girls feel in school and letting those feelings just wash over you.

Director: Katie Lambert (UK)

RAG DOLLS
Spanish with English subtitles (12 minutes 14 seconds)

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.

Director: Amy Adler (USA/ Mexico)

ROOM 206
French with English subtitles (16 minutes)

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.

Director: Laurie Bisceglia (France)

SWEAT (Mô Hôi)
Vietnamese with English subtitles (15 minutes)

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.

Director: Edward Nguye (Vietnam)

THEO
Portuguese with English subtitles (15 minutes)

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.

Director: Monica Palazzo & Joana Galvão (Brazil)

Free entry on a first-come-first-served basis.