MAP YOUR LOVE INTERACTIVE
Inspired by our anthology film, Map Your Love is a living collection of authentic queer stories from around the world. Answer thought-provoking questions, such as where you shared your first kiss or what makes you feel safe, and pin your story to the place where it happened. With every story shared, the map grows into a living archive of queer memory, connection, and belonging. Your experiences may inspire conversations, creative collaborations, and even future films. Wherever you are, you are invited to share your story anonymously and connect with others across borders. Write as much or as little as you like, or upload a photo, video, or audio clip. Explore the stories already on the map, leave a comment if something resonates with you, and become part of a global community creating a shared portrait of queer life, one story at a time.
How to Use
THE ANTHOLOGY
A collection of four short films created by 75 SHOTS in collaboration with filmmakers across thirteen countries. Together, they reveal deeply personal queer stories from the Global South that are rarely seen or heard. Screened exclusively in private gatherings to protect the artists and the communities they represent.
With a dozen artists in thirteen countries across the Global South, we revealed and connected intimate stories of resilience, joy, struggles, and triumphs. Due to safety concerns of the creators living in countries where homosexuality is criminalized, the films in this anthology are only shown in safe spaces at private in-person events. See below for a description of the anthology, and where they will be screening next.
MAP YOUR LOVE ANTHOLOGY
Map Your Love est une anthologie non linéaire tournée entièrement sur smartphones par une douzaine de cinéastes émergent·e·s issus de treize pays du Sud global. Elle présente des histoires profondément personnelles explorant les complexités de l’amour queer, de l’identité et de la résilience dans des pays où l’homosexualité est criminalisée. Chaque film offre un récit unique et poignant, capturant les luttes et les victoires d’individus queer face aux structures sociétales oppressives.
À travers des récits intimes, Map Your Love propose de puissantes méditations sur des thèmes tels que l’acceptation de soi, les liens familiaux et la quête de liberté, révélant les paysages émotionnels cachés et les combats psychologiques endurés par celles et ceux dont l’amour est interdit. De la résilience d’un homme trans aux réflexions existentielles d’un enfant questionnant ses origines, ces films offrent un portrait émouvant de la capacité de l’amour à transcender la peur, la honte et le rejet, donnant une voix à celles et ceux réduits au silence par des régimes oppressifs.
N.B. Cette anthologie présente un éventail de voix et d’expériences, avec deux films mettant en scène des personnes ayant courageusement révélé leur identité malgré les risques encourus. Ces films sont diffusés exclusivement dans des espaces sécurisés, avec des protocoles stricts de sécurité, et toute captation est strictement interdite afin de protéger la sécurité et l’anonymat de toutes et tous.
Soutien généreux du Conseil des arts du Canada et du Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec
THE FILMS
Ouvrez-moi la porte ( Open up )
This film explores the complex emotional landscape of a queer individual living in a country where homosexuality is criminalized. Through a chorus of voices representing the inner conflict between shame, fear, and survival, alongside hope and the desire for liberation, the narrative delves into the hidden psychological struggles behind closed doors. Interspersed with stark imagery of locked spaces, the film offers a poignant reflection on what might be unfolding within the confines of secrecy, urging viewers to consider these often-overlooked lives with empathy. Ouvrez-moi la porte is a meditation on resilience, self-liberation, and the pursuit of acceptance in the face of oppression.
Kauyure ( Nameless )
Kauyure tells the poignant story of a young man from Burkina Faso grappling with his identity and self-worth. The film opens with him preparing a meal and reflecting on his past in an interview format. He recounts his early struggles with his sexuality, including a near-tragic attempt at suicide, which was averted by his supportive cousin and first love. Through their intervention and his own journey towards self-acceptance, he learns to embrace his true self and finds solace in loving himself. The film poignantly highlights his experiences of love, particularly with foreigners, offering a candid exploration of his quest for connection and acceptance. Kauyure is a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of self-love.
Wildly Authentic
Wildly Authentic intricately examines the quest for identity and origins through the contemplative lens of a child grappling with profound existential questions. The film delves into the child's reflections on their background, the nature of love, and the possibility of unknown connections, be it a sperm donor, an adopted parent, or an international long distance one night stand. With narration provided by queer voices of diverse genders, the film explores themes of conception, family, and self-discovery. Through evocative imagery entirely shot on smartphones, and a multitude of cultural influences, Wildly Authentic presents a reflection on the search for belonging and the multifaceted nature of identity.
The Source
The Source intimately portrays the journey of a trans man in Tanzania as he seeks acceptance and self-realization. The film captures a poignant day spent at the beach with his father, who imparts life lessons and teaches him to swim. Through this act of shared experience and open dialogue, the father offers a profound model of unconditional love and acceptance. Drawing parallels to his own past struggles with societal rejection as a Rastaman, the father’s wisdom becomes a source of strength and comfort for his son. The Source elegantly explores themes of identity, familial bonds, and personal growth, highlighting the transformative impact of love and understanding.
Upcoming Events
Past Screenings
Malmö Pride, Malmö, Sweden, July 2026
Conseil Québécois LGBT Congress, Orford, Québec, May 2026
Det Lila Rum, Copenhagen, Denmark, April 2026
Malmö Queer Film Festival, Malmö, Sweden, April 2026
Hypnos Cinema, Malmö, Sweden, October, 2025
Brûlances, Radical Queer Festival, Montréal, Canada June 2025
Undisclosed youth screening, Porterville, South Africa, April 2025
Undisclosed queer activists screening, Accra, Ghana, July 2024
Undisclosed queer activists screening, Adis Ababa, Ethiopia, July 2024
Undisclosed queer activists screening, Lagos, Nigeria, June 2024
Undisclosed trans activists screening, Dar em Salam, June 2024
Undisclosed trans activists screening, Mbabane, Eswatini, June 2024
Undisclosed feminist activists screening, Harare, Zimbabwe, March 2024
McCord Stewart Museum Montréal, Canada, March 2024