Still looking for films to watch after the Oscars?
This March, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, together with the British Council of the Philippines, is holding a film festival screening LGBTQIA+ stories.
Queer short films will be shown as part of the Five Films for Freedom campaign at the Cinematheque centers in the country from March 21 to 23.
In addition to in-person screenings, those who wish to catch the films can check them out through the British Council Arts YouTube channel from March 15 to 26.
The five selections explore varied subjects of LGBTQIA+ stories, including violence and security, love across borders, and shifting identities. Here’s a peek at what to expect from the short films.
‘All I Know’ by Obinna Robert Onyeri (Nigeria/USA)
Two friends meet for dinner, one goes to meet a stranger for a hook-up date while the other goes home. The film follows a man’s search for his friend, putting himself at risk of revealing life-altering secrets they both share.
‘Butch Up!’ by Yu-jin Lee (South Korea)
“Stop being miserable.” After hearing her ex’s last words to her, Mi-hae, a lead singer of an independent band, cannot get herself to sing the band’s most popular song, Oppa’s Girl.
‘Eating Papaw on the Seashore’ by Rae Wiltshire and Nickose Layne (Guyana)
Two queer Guyanese boys, Asim and Hasani, navigate their feelings in a homophobic society in this coming-of-age film.
‘Just Johnny’ by Terry Loan (UK – Northern Island)
Maria and Dermot’s straightforward family life takes a sudden turn when their son Johnny announces that he wants to wear a dress for his Holy Communion. Both parents are keen to do what’s best for their boy but their different opinions almost pull the family apart.
‘Buffer Zone’ by Savvas Stavrou (UK/Cyprus)
Two young soldiers across enemy lines fall in love and find an escape from their oppressive environments through music.
Where to watch
The five shorts will be screening at the FDCP Cinematheque Centre in Manila on March 22, 6:30 p.m. and at the FDCP Cinematheque Centre in Iloilo, Davao, Zamboanga, Nabunturan, and Negros on March 21, 4 p.m. and March 22, 6:30 p.m.
