Council supports Rainbow Film Festival

The seventh Rainbow Film Festival is taking place during October 2012, with a series of films highlighting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lives and experiences across the world. 

Seven films will be shown at The Old Market Hall cinema in Shrewsbury from Friday 12 October 2012 to Sunday 14 October 2012, including documentaries, feature films and comedies. 

A new venture will be a screening of short films at The Hive on Sunday 14 October 2012, at which the audience will be invited to take part in discussion and vote for their favourite film.  This will result in the Rainbow Film Festival’s first film award.  

The Africa Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, Bisi Alimi, will be speaking and answering questions after the screening of “Call Me Kuchu” on Saturday 13 October 2012. 

In 2004, Bisi appeared on a talk show in Nigeria to challenge a statement by President Olusegun Obasanjo that there were “no homosexuals in Nigeria”.  Bisi was the first gay man to come out publicly in Nigeria and was subjected to terrible abuse and brutality. 

Geoff Hardy, one of the festival organisers, said:

“We are pleased that Bisi Alimi has agreed to speak at the festival, and highlight the situation found in many countries and the brave struggles of those who fight for freedom and equality.” 

Shropshire Council is one of the organisations that supports the festival, and Cabinet member responsible for equalities, Gwilym Butler, said: 

“The Rainbow Film Festival is an important event because it not only highlights the issues, but also celebrates the incredible strength that people have shown to stand up to discrimination across the world.  The council is pleased to support the festival, and we hope the event will continue to be a great success.  I am very proud to have been asked to open the event for the second year running and look forward to the films.” 

For more information visit www.rainbowfilmfestival.org.uk.