Award-winning Nigerian LGBT-themed film makes online debut

Pro-LGBT-themed Nigerian film ‘Broken Rainbow’ is now available online for streaming.

By Mike Daemon

Official promotional poster for the film. Photo Soure: Facebook

The 30-minute short film which is produced by HUG Media Concept, a Nigerian indie-film-making outfit can now be streamed online on Vimeo for free.

Some of the issues highlighted and addressed in the film are family rejection, depression, HIV stigmatization, suicide, and homophobia – all crucial issues affecting the LGBTQ community.

The film is written, produced, and directed by Godwin Harrison, a Nigerian filmmaker who is passionate about making queer-themed films.

This is coming right after the producers failed at their attempts to make a gay-themed film last year, however, it does seem that the producers may have gotten things right this time judging from the positive reviews from members of the community who have commended the overall efforts put into making the film as well as the acting and production.

On Facebook where the announcement about the film’s debut was shared, one person commented: “I practically cried throughout. It’s so relatable”

Another who gave a fairly positive comment wrote: “It touched a number of issues. I think it’s the first movie I watched that “seamlessly” reflected on role unfaithfulness. Some characters weren’t as natural in their acting as I expected, but, all things considered, it’s a good show. My moment is when Ziko told the annoyingly pretentious Kem off. Terfa’s “Her church, that church,” line made me laugh”

In fact, the film’s overall reception has been nothing but very positive as it has garnered a partnership deal. It has also received an international award for ‘Best International Film’ at the 2021 Malmo International Film Festival.

Also, as part of its many successes, one of the actors, Ejituru Richies recently won ‘Best Actor’ in the foreign-language category at the just concluded 2021 Reel Asia Film Festival held in Thailand.

Recently, the production company signed an online distribution deal with Cinetie, a Rwanda distributing and streaming service.

It has also made official selections and screened at various international LGBTQ film festivals such as at ‘The Best of the Best of the LGBTQ Best Fest 2021’ and ‘Q Fest Houston International LGBTQ Film Festival 2021’.

To watch the film online, click HERE.