19-30 March 2025 

In partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, our annual online programme of short films is back! Watch the films online for free between 19-30 March. 

This year’s programme brings you five powerful stories of love, courage, secrets and betrayal by filmmakers from around the world. These stories remind us that no matter where – or who – we are, the need for love and self-expression is universal. 

Announcing the 2025 programme  

Dragfox – By Lisa Ott (UK) 

Eleven-year-old Sam is struggling with their gender identity—until a mischievous fox takes them on a dazzling, all-singing, all-dancing journey of self-discovery. 

If I Make It to the Morning – By Andre Shen (USA/China) 

Chinese teenager Ziyi spends the final night of her cross-State college tour at her cool aunt’s apartment in New York. But as she starts to think this place could be perfect, an unexpected revelation brings tension to the group.  

NGGAK!!! – By Oktania Hamdani and Winner Wijaya (Indonesia) 

Sekar and Bebi’s love story unfolds in the digital world—laughing, gaming, and sharing memes. But when Sekar’s mother calls with life-changing news, reality comes to bite.   

Wait, Wait, Now! – By Ramon Te Wake (New Zealand) 

When best friends Alex and Sam are left home alone, they do what some teenage boys do—raid mum’s wardrobe, play dress-up, and step into a world where they feel truly themselves. But what happens when their secret fantasy collides with reality? 

We'll Go Down in History – By Cameron Richards and Charlie Tidmas (UK) 

This heartfelt documentary tells the story of TRUK United, a grassroots, proudly trans football club, following the team as they strive to create a safe haven for their community in the face of rising transphobia. 

Step into the lives of characters navigating identity, belonging and acceptance, and join us in celebrating love in all its forms.   

Share the love 

Stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities fighting for freedom around the world and spread the word using the hashtag #FiveFilmsForFreedom. 

British Council New Zealand and the Pacific are delighted to be presenting in person screenings of Five Films For Freedom:

 

Thursday 20 March, 6.30pm

Dunedin Public Art Gallery (Craigs Investment Partners Auditorium)

In partnership with Dunedin Pride

 

Friday 21 March, 6.00pm

Luxe Cinema, Tauranga

 

Friday 21, Saturday 22, Sunday 23 March, 10.00am-6.00pm on a loop

Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington (Soundings Theatre)

In partnership with Manalagi Collective

 

Saturday 22 March, 10:30am

Te Atamira, Queenstown (Puāwai)

 

Tuesday 25 March, 11am for Schools

MTG Hawkes Bay, Napier (MTG Century Theatre)

In partnership with Eastern Screen Alliance

 

Tuesday 25 March, 6:00pm for Everyone

MTG Hawkes Bay, Napier (MTG Century Theatre)

In partnership with Eastern Screen Alliance

 

Tuesday 25 March, 7:00pm

Te Atamira, Queenstown (Puāwai)

 

Tuesday 25 March, 6.00pm

Fiji Fringe Festival

Damodar Village 6 Cinema, Suva, Fiji

In partnership with British High Commission Suva

 

Wednesday 26 March, 6.00pm

Christchurch Art Gallery (Philip Carter Family Auditorium)

In partnership with Christchurch Pride

 

Thursday 27 March, 7.30pm

The Turner Centre, Kerikeri (John Dalton Auditorium)

In partnership with Rainbow Rangatahi

 

Thursday 27 March, 5.30pm

Nelson Provincial Museum

 

Friday 28 March, 7.00pm

Regent Theatre, Hokitika 

 

Saturday 29 March, 1.00pm

Lido Cinema, Hamilton

 

Saturday 29 March, 3.00pm

Odeon Cinemas, Gisborne 

In partnership with Screen Tairāwhiti Regional Film Office

 

Saturday 29 March, 4.30pm

Luxe Cinema, Tauranga

 

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March 11am - 4pm on a loop

Silo Park, Auckland

In partnership with Eke Panuku Development Auckland, Day One Hāpai te Haeata

 

Sunday 30 March, 1.00pm

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Ly Centre, New Plymouth (Len Lye Cinema)

In partnership with Taranaki Pride

 

Sunday 30 March, 3.00pm

Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery, Hamilton