A Queer Film Festival Is Headed To One Of The Most Anti-Queer Countries

Uganda may be one of the most unsafe places to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) in the world. But that isn’t stopping one group of activists from organizing a queer film festival in the African nation.

“Through film screenings, we intend to facilitate dialogue and open
channels for people outside the LGBTQI Community to understanding LGBT
people in Uganda,” Kamoga Hassa the organizer of The Queer Kampala International Film Festival told The Huffington Post. “Our primary goal is to increase awareness and tolerance of sexual identity through increased public exposure using films. Our second goal is to support courageous filmmakers who are passionate about sharing queer stories in an environment where LGBT people are criminalized.”

In 2014, the country passed an anti-homosexuality act. In the eyes of festival organizers, that makes this event all the more important.

“Our life is already in danger and keeping silent when we are suffering will not solve a thing,” Hassa said. “We are not demanding so much, all we want is to be treated with respect and get the same opportunities as everyone. It’s a risky struggle for freedom but, as it is, in a struggle always you have to be prepared for anything that may happen.”

Want to help make The Queer Kampala International Film Festival a reality? Head here.