Freedom Seekers

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This documentary shows the struggle of four asylum seekers who, exposed to persecution, discrimination and violence because of their sexual orientation, have fled their country to live in safety and express themselves freely.

With Aslam (Bangladeshi), Oscar (Indian), Vlad (Russian) and Courage (Nigerian), whom I met at the LGBTQIA+ Centre in Paris (3rd arrondissement), I explored isolation, resilience and the search for a new life.

 

Homosexuality is a criminal offence in 70 countries, and in 11 countries the death penalty is applied. On 23 May 2022, the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) announced that the number of people affected by human rights violations had exceeded 100 million for the first time on record. 1 in every 78 people on earth has been forced to flee.

 

The LGBTQIA+ Center in Paris supports asylum seekers in their process by organising workshops on integration, health and sexuality, preparation for the asylum interview, cultural activities and, above all, is a place where people can express themselves freely regardless of their sexual orientation.