Five Films For Freedom 2026 – Free Public Screening
Schedule
Thu, 26 Mar, 2026 at 07:30 am
UTC+13:00Location
Cnr Trafalgar and Hardy Streets, Nelson, New Zealand 7010 | Nelson, NE
A partnership between the British Council and BFI Flare, London’s LGBTIQIA+ film festival, Five Films For Freedom makes five international LGBTQIA+ short films available to watch online for free anywhere in the world, as well as through free public screenings.
Since its launch in 2015, the films featured in the programme have been watched online and in person by over 26 million people in more than 202 countries and principalities, celebrating global stories in support of LGBTQIA+ communities around the world.
Nelson Provincial Museum is proud to host this free public screening of the films in collaboration with the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific.
Bookings essential to secure your free ticket (recommended for ages 12+): https://shop.nelsonmuseum.co.nz/products/five-films-for-freedom
The Films (2026 selection)
Five Films For Freedom 2026 features five short films from Brazil, France, the United Kingdom, the USA/Mexico and Vietnam (approx. 65 minutes total runtime).
I HATE HELEN (Dir. Katie Lambert, UK, 7 min)
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.
UK classification: PG
RAG DOLLS (Dir. Amy Adler, USA/Mexico, 12 min)
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.
UK classification: U
ROOM 206 (Dir. Laurie Bisceglia, France, 16 min)
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.
UK classification: PG
SWEAT (Mô Hôi) (Dir. Edward Nguyen, Vietnam, 15 min)
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.
UK classification: U
THEO (Dir. Monica Palazzo & Joana Galvão, Brazil, 15 min)
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.
UK classification: U
More information: https://arts.britishcouncil.org/five-films
Where is it happening?
Cnr Trafalgar and Hardy Streets, Nelson, New Zealand 7010, New Zealand
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