XPOSED Films Against War is a film series in collaboration between XPOSED Queer Film Festival and the antimilitarist collective No More War. This is the second edition of the film series. The films showcase queer perspectives on militarism, war and colonialism.

In this program, different generations of queer people share and exchange their experiences during war times. As the war starts, a young gay man loses contact with his mother in The Return (2023) and turns inward. In Thunder Bird (2025), a history of existence during war times and military rule is reflected on, with others and alone. In Whoever Deserves It, Will Be Immortal (2024), generations meet to reflect on and exchange their histories as queer Cubans.

All films will be shown in their original language with English subtitles.

content warnings: outbreak of war, mentioning of queerphobia and persecution

The Return

Vadim Mochalov, Ukraine 2023, 32'

Nikita lives in Kyiv with his boyfriend Serhii. On his birthday, Nikita argues with his religious mother on the phone because of the crucifix necklace that she sent him from the Kharkiv region. The next day, February 24, 2022, he realises that he cannot reach her on the phone.

Thunder Bird

Anonymous, Myanmar 2025, 16'

The life of a person who is leading a first ever drag queen troupe of Myanmar that has been struggling through the times of Military regime for over 50 years.

Whoever Deserves It, Will Be Immortal (Será inmortal quien merezca serlo)

Nay Mendl, Cuba 2024,19'

Sergio, Ubaldo, Yolexquys and Winston belong to different generations and share a collective historical memory: being part of the Cuban gay community. Between experiences of discrimination and celebration, they recall memories of the early years of the Revolution where the LGBT+ community was sent to concentration camps. Now and together, they evoke the power of being who they are.