Defying The Hate Collection GBFF2026 "Hate has nothing on us" Overcoming hate and adversity, this collection of films shows inspiring stories of resilience from strong characters who defy the haters

Defying The Hate Collection GBFF2026 "Hate has nothing on us" INTRO

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*Defying The Hate Collection GBFF2026 "Hate has nothing on us"

Welcome to Gilbert Baker Film Festival-GBFF Ping &amp; Jen

Welcome to Gilbert Baker Film Festival-GBFF Ping & Jen

Welcome to Gilbert Baker Film Festival-GBFF! To access additional films, please scroll down in the block of films to the right of this viewer window. The film that is highlighted in dark grey is the film that is queued up to view

Gilbert Baker!

The Rainbow Flag Landmark San Francisco California

Love Gilbert (2020)A film by Vincent Guzzone. A heartfelt look back over the life and career of Gilbert Baker, creator of the LGBTQ Rainbow Flag. From his childhood in Kansas to San Francisco in the 1970s to a historic meeting with Barak Obama in 2016. This film was created for PERFORMAnCE, POLITICS &amp; PROTEST, The ART of GILERT BAKER an exhibit at the GLBT Museum in San Francisco, California.

No Captions

Love Gilbert (2020)

Love Gilbert (2020) A film by Vincent Guzzone. A heartfelt look back over the life and career of Gilbert Baker, creator of the LGBTQ Rainbow Flag. From his childhood in Kansas to San Francisco in the 1970s to a historic meeting with Barak Obama in 2016. This film was created for PERFORMAnCE, POLITICS & PROTEST, The ART of GILERT BAKER an exhibit at the GLBT Museum in San Francisco, California.

The Radical (2023) Muhsin Hendricks is the world's first openly gay imam. Despite opposition, he established a radically inclusive mosque in Cape Town. Now, he fights for LGBTQ Muslims to be embraced in the countries where their existence is outlawed. The Radical is an intimate portrait of Muhsin Hendricks: a fashion designer in Cape Town, South Africa, who became the world's first openly gay imam; a Muslim religious leader. Despite death threats and opposition, he established the radically-inclusive mosque that started the global queer Muslim network. The film provides first-person accounts of growing up queer in a society caught between the liberalism of the South African Constitution and the conservativeness of its cultures and history. In the wider African context, it chronicles individual journeys to acceptance amidst the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. An intimate portrait of Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay imam, who, despite death threats, established the radically-inclusive mosque in South Africa that gave rise to the global Queer Muslim movement.LONG SYNOPSISTHE RADICAL is an intimate portrait of the world’s first openly gay imam. Muhsin Hendricks was a fashion designer in South Africa, who struggled to reconcile his sexuality with his faith. He studied in Pakistan to become an imam—a religious leader—so that he could understand Islam more deeply. After deciding that he had to be truthful to himself and the world, he came out in 1995, and established the radically-inclusive mosque in Cape Town that gave rise to the global queer Muslim network. Today, Hendricks leads a devoted group of LGBTQ+ Muslims and allies, based in a working-class neighborhood of the city. He decides to take his work to where it is needed most: the East African communities living under anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The film provides first-person accounts of growing up queer in a society caught between the liberalism of the South African Constitution and the conservativeness of its cultures and history. In the wider African context, it chronicles individual journeys to acceptance amidst the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights on the continent.Director Richard Finn GregoryCo-Writers Richard Finn Gregory, Khalid Shamis, S.A.G.E.Producer Richard Finn GregoryExecutive Producer Daniel KarslakeEditors Khalid Shamis, S.A.G.E.

The Radical (2023)

Introduction by Eddie Hollis Edwards for And The Homosexuals (2026)

Introduction by Eddie Hollis Edwards for And The Homosexuals (2026)

And The Homosexuals (2026)

And The Homosexuals (2026)

Introduction by James Yaw from Marginalized Productions for Falling from the Straight and Narrow (2026)

Introduction by James Yaw from Marginalized Productions for Falling from the Straight and Narrow (2026)

Falling from the Straight and Narrow (2026) A stark and honest examination of coming out later in life and what it's like to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community in the world of MAGA A word about Falling From the Straight and Narrow from Writer/Director James Yaw: This screenplay started out life as a monologue written for a live performance in Sedona, Arizona called The Awesome Difficult Work of Love. That show brought together people from various walks of life to talk about learning to love themselves through personal struggles. It was vulnerable and cathartic to stand in that spotlight and open my closet door. I realized there was another character that informed the conflict so I reworked it as the screenplay for Falling From The Straight and Narrow. The Agent (played beautifully by Garrett Rader) is the embodiment of society as it desperately tries to keep my closet door shut and prevent me (and us) from being a danger to the world. Falling From the Straight and Narrow is a stark, honest look at the internal struggles of coming out in America despite the stereotypes and expectations of society especially in the era of MAGA.” Please tell us your motivation for making your film:I wanted to tell the story of coming out later in life and explore the regrets of living a lie in a world that rewards passing as straight. What are the themes and central messages you wanted to convey with your submission?:A stark and honest examination of coming out later in life and what it's like to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community in the world of MAGA Credits:James YawDirectorMercy, Suffer The InnocentsJames YawWriterMercy, Suffer The InnocentsAngel PeaveyProducerThe Ferryman, Was It Real?James YawKey Cast"Jimmy" Garrett RaderKey Cast"Agent" Angel PeaveyDirector of Photography Specs:Project Type:ShortRuntime:15 minutes 15 secondsCompletion Date:July 4, 2024Production Budget:500 USDCountry of Origin:United StatesCountry of Filming:United StatesLanguage:EnglishShooting Format:DigitalFilm Color:Black &amp; White and ColorFirst-time Filmmaker:NoStudent Project:No <a href="https://marginalizedmedia.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://marginalizedmedia.com/</a> <a href="https://jamesyaw.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://jamesyaw.com/</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamesyaw_/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/jamesyaw_/</a>

Homophobia, Internalized Homophobia and Externalized Homophobia, Confrontation, Homophobia, straight passing, comp het, white male privilege, Don't Ask Don't Tell, MAGA, Bigotry, Racism, FEAR, The Closet, being closeted, Coming Out

Falling from the Straight and Narrow (2026)

Outro by James Yaw from Marginalized Productions for Falling from the Straight and Narrow (2026)

Outro by James Yaw from Marginalized Productions for Falling from the Straight and Narrow (2026)

Introduction by Sunkee Angel for Kansas Government (2026) Music Video

Introduction by Sunkee Angel for Kansas Government (2026) Music Video

Kansas Government (2026) Kansas Government’ is a bold, lyrical exploration of the challenges faced by trans individuals in Kansas, confronting restrictive legislation like SB 244. The song delves into the state’s efforts to force trans people to change IDs and restrict access to spaces like restrooms, offering an empowering call for visibility, dignity, and change. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/0f0247d9ab2ea16961f18334f76994b6.jpg" width="149"> DIRECTOR BIO - Sunkee Angel Sunkee Angel is an internationally recognized transgender filmmaker, recording artist, media personality, and advocate based in Los Angeles, California. Through music, film, digital media, and public commentary, Angel has built a platform that combines entertainment with social impact, creating work that challenges cultural narratives and amplifies transgender voices.As the founder of TransAlien Studios, Angel has developed projects that explore identity, politics, religion, media representation, and LGBTQ+ visibility through a unique blend of storytelling, satire, and personal experience. Her work has reached audiences across multiple platforms and has been recognized for its willingness to engage difficult conversations while remaining accessible and thought-provoking. Angel continues to expand her creative reach through music, film, digital media, and a forthcoming podcast, The Transgender Perspective, currently in development.Angel’s creative mission centers on empowering marginalized communities, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering dialogue through art. Her films and visual projects often blur the lines between music video, documentary-style commentary, and social critique.Kansas Government continues that tradition, using bold imagery and unapologetic storytelling to examine the intersection of politics, identity, and public perception in contemporary America. DIRECTOR STATEMENT - Sunkee AngelKansas Government was inspired by the ongoing legislative efforts targeting transgender people in Kansas, particularly policies affecting gender markers on identification documents and broader attempts to restrict transgender people from living authentically. As a transgender woman, I watched these developments unfold and felt compelled to respond through the medium I know best: music and visual storytelling.The song serves as both a critique and a conversation. It challenges the idea that transgender people are a threat to society while highlighting the real-world impact government decisions can have on everyday lives. Too often, transgender people become political talking points rather than human beings with families, dreams, careers, and the simple desire to exist in peace.Through satire, performance, and unapologetic self-expression, Kansas Government pushes back against narratives that seek to erase or redefine transgender identities. The visual component amplifies that message by blending symbolism, confidence, and commentary to create a work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.This project is not simply about Kansas. It is about a larger pattern of political and cultural efforts aimed at transgender communities across the country. By transforming frustration into art, I wanted to create something that encourages audiences to think critically about the consequences of these policies while recognizing the humanity of the people most affected by them.At its core, Kansas Government is a declaration of visibility, resilience, and self-determination. It is a reminder that transgender people are not an agenda, a headline, or a political strategy—we are human beings, and our stories deserve to be told. Please tell us your motivation for making your film:My motivation for creating ‘Kansas Government’ was to amplify the voices of trans individuals facing legislative oppression. Through music and visual storytelling, I wanted to confront harmful policies like Kansas’s SB 244, which restrict trans rights and dignity. This project is both personal and universal, aiming to spark awareness, challenge societal norms, and inspire dialogue around trans experiences in today’s political climate. What are the themes and central messages you wanted to convey with your submission?:The themes center on trans visibility, resilience, and the fight against legislative erasure. The core message is that trans individuals deserve dignity, autonomy, and equal rights. By confronting harmful policies like SB 244, I aim to spark awareness and solidarity, while offering a hopeful call for societal change and human connection. Please list ANY possible CONTENT / TRIGGER Warnings: For content warnings, I’d note discussions of transphobia, references to restrictive legislation, and themes of marginalization. While the tone is empowering, these topics may evoke strong emotions for some viewers. Credit:Sunkee AngelDirector Sunkee AngelWriter Sunkee AngelProducer

discussions of transphobia, references to restrictive legislation, and themes of marginalization. While the tone is empowering, these topics may evoke strong emotions for some viewers.

Kansas Government (2026) - Sunkee Angel Music Angel

Kansas Government’ is a bold, lyrical exploration of the challenges faced by trans individuals in Kansas, confronting restrictive legislation like SB 244. The song delves into the state’s efforts to force trans people to change IDs and restrict access to spaces like restrooms, offering an empowering call for visibility, dignity, and change.

Outro by Sunkee Angel for Kansas Government (2026) Music Video

Outro by Sunkee Angel for Kansas Government (2026) Music Video

Lesbians in Boystown (2025) English Open Captions&nbsp;

Lesbians in Boystown (2025) English Open Captions

In Half (2024) Through a child's imagination it tells the journey of a man who after falling prey to his fears, he must cross a strange world, a universe full of magic, where he will be confronted with his own fears and conflicts from the past and where he must find solutions for the future to discover his self-identity. Director Biography - Jorge Morais Valle<a href="https://filmfreeway-production-storage-01-connector.filmfreeway.com/press_kits/headshots/002/477/656/original/efc4b22390-headshot.jpg?1772125382" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://filmfreeway-production-storage-01-connector.filmfreeway.com/press_kits/headshots/002/477/656/thumb/efc4b22390-headshot.jpg?1772125382" width="233" style="border-width: medium; border-style: none; border-color: currentcolor; border-image: initial; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-language-override: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; position: relative;"></a>Director Biography - Jorge Morais Valle Jorge Morais is a distinguished independent filmmaker and artist hailing from Vigo, Spain. His artistic journey commenced at a young age, deeply entwined with various disciplines, including drawing, painting, and sculpture. Notably, sculpture emerged as his primary focus early in his creative development.Morais entered the realm of graffiti and mural painting during his formative years, where he cultivated a unique style of expression that garnered the attention of commercial brands seeking artistic and advertising collaborations. This early exposure facilitated his transition into the fields of decoration and theatrical stage design, where he successfully led teams on projects across Spain and Portugal, even before completing his secondary education.Throughout his career in Fine Arts, Morais adeptly navigated various professional realms, including scenography, painting, and illustration in both Galicia and Portugal. His multifaceted experiences culminated in a series of collaborative projects, painting exhibitions, and advertising campaigns. He also spearheaded a collective of emerging artists known as New Order Productions, which enriched his artistic repertoire and honed his leadership capabilities, qualities that would later empower him to venture into the field of animation following his graduation from the Faculty of Fine Arts.In 2010, Morais premiered his inaugural animated short film, The Painter of Skies, as the capstone project for his Master's degree in animation. The film garnered significant national and international acclaim, achieving selection in over 300 festivals and amassing 125 awards globally. This transformative experience served as a catalyst for a series of travels to esteemed studios and production companies across Portugal, India, England, Italy, and Germany. Throughout this journey, he immersed himself in a variety of projects that not only broadened his skill set in production design, animation, modeling, and kinematics but also significantly enhanced his professional reputation within the animation industry. Each engagement provided unique insights and opportunities for collaboration, ultimately contributing to his comprehensive understanding and mastery of the field. Director Statement - Jorge Morais ValleI believe that animation has the power to transcend boundaries and connect people on a deeper level. Through my work, I aim to explore complex themes and emotions that resonate with viewers of all ages. I am committed to bringing diverse voices and perspectives to the forefront, and using the medium of animation to spark conversation and foster empathy.I believe that animation is a powerful tool for storytelling, and I strive to push the boundaries of what is possible in the medium. I am constantly seeking new ways to innovate and challenge myself creatively, in order to create work that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. My goal is to create animation that not only entertains, but also leaves a lasting impact on its audience, challenging them to think critically and feel deeply.I am dedicated to creating stories that are inclusive, thoughtful, and thought-provoking. I strive to create characters that are diverse, complex, and authentically represented. I believe that by centering the stories of underrepresented communities, we can create a more inclusive and empathetic world.Above all, I aspire to create animation that is meaningful, inspiring, and memorable. I am committed to using my platform as a filmmaker to shine a light on important and often overlooked stories, and to create work that has a lasting impact. Through my animation projects, I hope to inspire others to think, feel, and connect with each other in a deeper and more meaningful way._ Jorge Morais *** Psychological Development in the Project ***By Adele Baker, University of Edinburgh, School of PhilosophyTeaching children to effectively manage their emotions is arguably one of the most invaluable gifts we can offer them, serving as a fundamental tool for their growth as individuals. Throughout this journey, children begin to comprehend their emotional landscape, making it essential for us to closely observe their behaviors.The short film In Half primarily explores the emotions of fear and love. While it is common to equate the opposite of love with hate, these two extremes are actually unrelated. In truth, fear stands as love's true antithesis. Renowned Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung posits that we all harbor certain traits that we conceal; from an early age, we learn that such concealment is necessary for acceptance. These unacknowledged traits become our "shadow," emerging at various stages in our lives. In conjunction with this shadow, we develop what Freud referred to as the "ideal self"__a mask we create to blend into our surroundings and avoid rejection.The inability to accept our shadow can lead to various issues, including trauma. When we struggle to embrace ourselves out of fear, we find it difficult to love ourselves. Fear indeed represents the antithesis of love. We are often unable to love ourselves due to our fear of self-identity, which in turn complicates our capacity to extend love to others.This philosophy of navigating the world—sometimes successfully, yet always with effort—is poignantly illustrated in the animated short film In Half, written and directed by Jorge Morais. The narrative captures the internal struggle of a five-year-old boy as he grapples with the emotional barriers erected by fear.Young Vivencio, a cheerful and imaginative child, is raised under the strict discipline of his father, Mr. Crabby. His father's unconventional teaching methods and values create significant emotional turmoil for Vivencio, distancing him from his mother and prompting him to confront his fears through introspection. It is within this inner journey that he learns the importance of facing challenges by breaking free from the metaphorical cage that confines him, striving to resolve his dilemmas through logic.The film also highlights a vital theme: Vivencio's progression through his projected fears is rooted in the innocence he embodies. This innocence allows him to perceive the world through a unique lens, distinct from that of most adults, as he marvels at everything and learns in a pure, stereotype-free manner.By the film's conclusion, accompanied by meticulous, beautiful, and sensitive animation, we are reminded of the crucial role that role models and parental love play in a child's education. Whether through imposing their own path or fostering personal growth, parental guidance is indispensable.It is important to dismiss the notion that children must suffer or navigate life flawlessly; such beliefs should not result in the restriction of their freedom. As previously mentioned, it is often these "dangers" or challenges that enable us to develop our best adaptive capacities, as well as our unique perspectives and decision-making abilities.Ultimately, the character of the child imparts profound lessons, one of the most significant being that the fear of fear is a constant companion throughout our lives. Overcoming this fear lies not merely in acts of bravery or courage, but in the emotional maturity cultivated from childhood experiences.The final message of this short film serves as a poignant reminder for adults: we must not allow our inner child to fade, as it occupies a vital space within our hearts. Embracing this inner child enables us to view the world with wonder and joy, empowering us to confront any challenge that life presents.

In Half (2024)

Introduction by Drew Dickler for Big Bass (2025)

Introduction by Drew Dickler for Big Bass (2025)

Big Bass (2025) What does it mean to feel seen by others before you’re ready to see yourself? A filmmaker travels back to 1997 to revisit a dream-like memory from second grade that centers around her queer identity, her legendary PE teacher and a mysterious large plastic fish.

Internalized Homophobia, Homophobia, Anxiety

Big Bass (2025)

Defying The Hate Collection GBFF2026 "Hate has nothing on us" Virtual Admission

Gilbert Baker Film Festival GBFF(please note, GBFF is not a 5013c)

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Explore our GBFF on-demand catalog here! Films will release and roll starting on June 12, 2026 7pm Eastern with more films and our GBFF2026 Collections rolling out out as the Festival progresses. We appreciate you being a part of Gilbert Baker Film Festival-GBFF! If you need help with cost of tickets please DM us @GilbertBakerFilmFest on Instagram or email us at  pressandmarketing@gilbertbakerfilmfestival.lgbt Thank you for supporting GBFF!    

Greetings! Thank You! Please by sure to provide English Captions for your film!. Gilbert Baker Film Festival - GBFF appreciates all of your participation and support! 

Gilbert Baker Film Festival-GBFF is a Global, Legacy Festival founded by & honoring the Creator of The Original PRIDE Flag, the late, great Gilbert Baker. GBFF Showcases 2SLGBTQIA+ Stories on Screen and hosts Virtual & Worldwide Watch Parties & Discussions,Filmmaker Q&A’s & MORE, Join Us! Be Gilbee!