Despite significant progress in recent years, the LGBTQIA+ community continues to face discrimination and marginalisation in Asia and around the world. While some countries have made strides towards equality, many from the community still live in fear of persecution, violence, and rejection by society due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In Asia, cultural norms, religious beliefs, and legal frameworks often contribute to the discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. Even in places where same-sex relationships are not explicitly illegal, societal stigma and discrimination persist, making it difficult for those people to live openly. Moreover, the lack of legal protection and rights for them leaves them vulnerable to discrimination in employment, housing, healthcare, and education. 

Despite these challenges, the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies continue to advocate for equality, dignity, and human rights. One of the supportive mediums is films. They provide representation, visibility, and validation for those within that group. By depicting various stories and experiences, these films promote empathy, understanding, and acceptance, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society. In addition, they challenge stereotypes and encourage dialogue around LGBTQIA+ rights and issues, ultimately helping to create a more affirming and supportive environment for all.

One of those poignant films is Nobody Knows, a South Korean animation that not only is visually engaging but also delicately explores themes of love, courage, and the struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly in the aforementioned country. Written and directed by Heo Ha-yeon, Nobody Knows is a seven-minute project that depicts the lives of two elderly women who try to navigate their relationship in a society where their love is not always recognised or respected. 

Through its eloquent storytelling and the absence of dialogue, Nobody Knows manages to bring emotions and thought-provoking themes. The decision to go without spoken words allows viewers to empathise with the characters’ experiences on a human level. The short film’s portrayal of the struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in South Korea resounds on a wider scale, reflecting similar challenges experienced by LGBTQIA+ individuals across Asia and around the world. While these women freely express their feelings behind closed doors, they encounter societal stigma when it comes to expressing their emotions publicly. It takes a serious incident for one of them to realise that being true to oneself and expressing love openly outweighs the opinions of others. Despite ongoing struggles for acceptance, the key lesson is to embrace each other regardless of public perception. Acceptance of oneself and each other becomes paramount.

Nobody Knows sheds light on the importance of visibility and representation of the LGBTQIA+. By telling the story of two elderly ladies, the film challenges stereotypes and highlights the diversity of queer experiences. It is a subtle and moving short that also depicts the power of love and the human spirit while calling to action for greater acceptance and all-embracing society. Through its beautiful animation and heartfelt narrative, Heo Ha-yeon’s work reminds us that love knows no limits.

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Written by Maggie Gogler

38th BFI FLARE: LONDON LGBTQIA+ FILM FESTIVAL 2024 Takes Place 13 – 24 March at BFI Southbank and on BFI Player 

_{View of the Arts is an online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}