These films have all been selected as they each highlight various issues and discussion points surrounding LGBTQ+ characters, stories, history and representation from around the world.
As the visibility of LGBTQ+ characters in cinema increases, we feel these films help contribute to awareness, empathy and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues for young people, as well as forming part of a proud beacon through which to celebrate equality and diversity.
All of the films below are available to stream via Into Film+ but some of them (labelled) are only available to Into Film+ Premium users. Find out more here.
Cert
Age group15+
Duration99 mins
Uplifting tale of Manuela, a mother who decides to relocate to Barcelona after her son's sudden death.
Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar is one of the most distinctive filmmakers working today. Many of his films are lavish, colourful representations of femininity, gay identity and gender fluidity. This film is arguably his masterpiece, an unashamedly melodramatic, profoundly moving depiction of grief and those on the margins of mainstream society.
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Cert
Age group16+
Duration97 mins
Inspiring documentary featuring rare footage of LGBTQ+ led protests in the UK throughout the years.
This archive-led documentary uses historical footage and interviews with key figures to focus on significant moments in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. It includes discussion of notable movements such as the Stonewall riots and the launch of Gay Pride marches, as well as highlighting prejudice faced by other minority groups in the UK and around the world.
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Cert
Age group16+
Duration102 mins
Two best friends who are about to graduate high school attempt to fit in four years of fun into one night.
This coming-of-age comedy is about friendship, fitting in, and learning to navigate your own path through adolescence. Amy has been out and proud for years, but never had a girlfriend or significant kiss. Her experiences resonate with young people across generations and sexualities, and provide an all-to-rare, but inspirational role model for young lesbians in mainstream cinema
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CertUnclassified
Age group12–16
Duration5 mins
Alicia sits down to watch her favourite video game streamer – but what is it about him that is so important to her?
This Spanish language short film is an accessible introduction into LGBTQ+ narratives for teenage audiences, focusing on a relationship between a woman and her seemingly estranged son, showcasing the positive power of video games and modern technology and their ability to connect people with one another.
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CertUnclassified
Age group15–16
Duration12 mins
Portuguese-language animation about a transgender child who is magically transported through their bedroom mirror.
This sweet Portuguese-language animation offers a gentle and accessible exploration of friendship, family and LGBTQ+ issues for young audiences, as a young Brazilian child struggling with their gender identity battles with the scary outside world trying to barge its way in.
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Cert
Age group12–16
Duration109 mins
Benedict Cumberbatch stars as pioneering mathematician and codebreaker Alan Turing, who was highly influential, but persecuted for being gay.
This biopic of code breaker Alan Turing largely draws on his stellar professional achievements, but does not shy away from presenting the shockingly callous treatment he was subjected to as a result of his homosexuality. It provides a sobering reminder to young people of discrimination and persecution seen in our recent history, and which remains relevant today.
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