The 2022 Diverse Film Fund supported four filmmakers with up to £20,000, mentorship and training to create 20-minute short documentaries on Queer Lives Today.
The films illuminate the resilient stories of the LGBTQ+ community. Discover more about each film below.
ALWAYS, ASIFA
By Shiva Raichandani
As Asifa prepares to finally undergo gender affirmation surgery, the disabled trans activist, who is also Britain’s first out Muslim drag queen, reflects on how her life has - and hasn’t - changed during her transition. With Asifa having featured previously in documentaries on Channel 4 and the director, Shiva Raichandani, having reached the semi-finals of the 2017 edition of Britain’s Got Talent with the London School of Bollywood, there is an abundance of flair and creative pedigree to show these two really can talk the talk, and walk the walk.
Premieres on Together TV Monday, 28th November 10.30pm
Come Out Fighting
By Tom Gaisford
Jill, a gay trans man, prepares mentally and physically to step into the ring for his next boxing bout- finding strength in an emerging LGBTQ+ fight community to square up to old attitudes and challenge a current ban on trans boxers. This knockout documentary provides a ringside seat to the intimate journey of a trans athlete, at a time when trans access to sport makes headlines worldwide.
Premieres on Together TV Monday, 14th November 10.30pm
Love, Dad and Daddy
By Ross Adams
Following a painful adoption journey which comes to an abrupt halt, Hollyoaks star Ross Adams explores what can be done to make the system easier for LGBTQ+ adopters. Can he find the strength to go through the process again? In a system where resilience is essential, “Love, Dad and Daddy” sees Ross talking to other adopters in a deeply cathartic personal quest to rediscover his.
Premieres on Together TV Monday, 21st November 10.30pm
Mermaids Really Do Exist
By Anna Mouzouri
A fun and touching documentary following the aquatic escapades of two queer mermaids, Kaia and Caitriona, as they compete in mermaid relay races and attend mermaid conventions. Expect amazing hairdos, fabulous outfits and under-the-sea action as you sail through an amphibious world causing a real splash.
The Diverse Film Fund is created from the generous donations of people who are passionate about supporting diverse filmmakers and content. Please get in contact if you would like to contribute to the fund via [email protected].
For more information about Together TV's Diverse Film Fund visit the dedicated page. For filmmakers looking to apply for next year's fund or submit a film for review, head to our Filmmakers page.
