London Queer East Festival 2025

The London Queer East Festival is set to kick off its sixth edition on April 23, 2025, featuring legendary Japanese filmmaker Takeshi Kitano’s samurai film, “Kubi,” as the opening night selection at BFI Southbank. The festival will run until May 18, presenting over 100 cinematic works that reflect LGBTQ+ narratives and experiences across East and Southeast Asia.

Featured Films

This year’s program includes a diverse array of films highlighted by:

• “Rookie”: A story about a girl who navigates the challenges of joining an all-girls volleyball team in the Philippines.
• “Under the Moonlight”: A documentary focusing on a transgender women’s boarding school in Indonesia.
• “Crazy Love”: A classic underground film from 1968 that captures the vibrant spirit of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district.
• “Bel Ami”: A narrative exploring a middle-aged man’s journey to come out in China.
• “Some Nights I Feel Like Walking”: A portrayal of a teenager’s exploration of desire and belonging in Manila.

The festival will conclude with the documentary “Edhi Alice,” directed by Ilrhan Kim, delving into the lives of transgender individuals in Seoul. It aims to highlight themes of activism, community, and queer history, alongside live performances and workshops.

Event Locations

The festival will take place in various venues including Barbican Centre, ICA, and Rich Mix throughout London.

Streaming Expansions

Apple TV+ has expanded its accessibility in India by integrating with Prime Video as an add-on service. Subscription for Prime members is available for INR 99 ($1.15) per month, providing access to Apple’s exclusive content.

Content Library

Subscribers can enjoy a wide array of shows and films, including:

• Comedies: “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking”
• Drama series: “Severance,” “The Morning Show,” “Slow Horses,” and “Disclaimer”
• Sci-fi hit: “Silo”
• Films: “Wolfs” and “The Gorge”

This rollout follows successful integrations in the U.S. and several other countries, reflecting Apple TV+’s ongoing commitment to expand its global footprint.

Support for Emerging Talent

Netflix has partnered with the National Film and Television School in the UK to bolster its Access NFTS program. This initiative aims to create opportunities for state-educated creatives aiming for careers in film, television, and gaming.

Program Details

Spanning over five years, the program will host more than 60 events in 2025, designed to engage diverse young individuals in screen-related careers:

• Campus tours at NFTS Beaconsfield
• Practical workshops on various production roles
• Online sessions showcasing behind-the-camera career pathways

Launching on April 2 with an event in Sheffield, the program intends to expand to other regions, enhancing its outreach to aspiring talents.

New Film Projects Addressing Dowry Issues

Raaj Shaandilyaa, known for his work on “Dream Girl,” is producing a new film titled “The Verdict 498A,” shedding light on the misuse of India’s dowry harassment laws through the story of Deeptanshu Shukla, who faced false accusations.

Film Overview

Directed by Anindya Bikas Datta, this Hindi-language project seeks to reveal the struggles of individuals wrongfully accused under Section 498A, emphasizing the severe consequences such as suicide rates among the accused. Shaandilyaa called for reforms, stating:

“This is not just Deeptanshu’s story — it’s the story of thousands of families suffering in silence.”

The film is currently in pre-production, slated for a pan-India release in five languages.

Kathmandu Doc Lab Announced

The KIMFF Foundation is launching the inaugural Kathmandu Doc Lab from May 24 to 28 in Nepal’s capital. The initiative aims to nurture promising documentary projects from South Asian filmmakers through mentoring and pitching opportunities.

Program Highlights

Nine documentary projects will be selected for development, with access to a network of industry players, including:

• IDFA Bertha Fund
• Sundance Institute
• Visions du Réel
• Deutsche Welle

Participants will benefit from cash prizes totaling $5,000. The lab solidifies KIMFF’s stature as a key platform for emerging filmmakers since its inception in 2000.

Applications are open until April 5.