LGBT History Month runs each year in February in the UK.
2025 theme: Activism and Social Change #SocialActivism
Across the UK libraries often put on film screenings during this month. However they are limited to the titles available and also cannot promote the film that they are showing. This isn't ideal as it limits attendance, and also the libraries are likely to start showing the same films.
We decided to do something about it and curate a shorts compilation that will be provided free to libraries, community groups, organisations and film clubs up and down the country to screen throughout February. Our second year went completely online due to the pandemic, but was even more successful than the first.
We are looking for short films with a lesbian or bisexual women focused storyline or character for consideration for this curation.
We are particularly looking for content that features or explores the key theme and shows women loving women on screen - however we are open to all submissions that feature lesbian, bisexual and trans women. Please include a brief explanation as to how your content fits into this topic.
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THE HISTORY OF OUR SAPPHIC FILM FESTIVAL
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2020: The theme for the 2020 LGBT History Month was Poetry, Prose and Plays. We ended up creating two programmes which were screened at various venues across the UK.
2021: The 2021 theme was Body, Mind and Spirit.
2022: The 2022 theme was Art and Politics – ‘the arc is long’, and will also be commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in Britain.
2023: on hiatus
2024: ran virtually
Our LGBT History Month screenings first ran in 2020 through Lesflicks. Due to capacity we're not running this festival in 2023. We will be bringing the festival back from 2024. Following some restructuring, the festival is run by Sapphic Services, curated by Safflicks and supported virtually by Lesflicks.
Find out more about Safflicks here: https://safflicks.com
Find out more about Lesflicks here: https://www.lesflicks.com
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All selections will receive:
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- official selection laurel
- inclusion in the curated compilation of shorts that will be provided to libraries, community groups, organisations and film clubs across the UK to screen for free during February. Safflicks will also run one online screening during February. There will also be one physical screening in South East London in a cinema.
- 1 hour consultancy with Naomi Bennett to discuss distribution opportunites and ongoing support beyond the festival
- 1 month free membership to the Sapphic Creators Network (creators.sapphicservices.com)
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2023 FESTIVAL AWARDS:
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- Audience favourite