GLORIOUSLY FREE is the first documentary to explore the world of gay immigration, and the desperate search of five young men to find welcoming arms outside their countries of birth-where persecution and hatred of alternative lifestyles may lead to torture or death. What they find is Canada, leading the world as the safest haven for persecuted gays and lesbians.

GLORIOUSLY FREE is a powerful profile of gay immigrants to Canada. Among them are Al-Hussein from Jordan; Julian, blackmailed and blacklisted in his homeland of Mexico and a resident of Canada for three years; Bruno, who immigrated from Brazil and now makes his living as a singer; David, a former U.S. Port Captain with a prominent Texas-based drilling company; and Frantz, a graphic artist from Jamaica.

Excluded from the opportunity to live freely in their native countries, these resilient young men tell stories of blackmail and violence.

"Many others have touched on the same-sex marriage theme, but GLORIOUSLY FREE delves deeper into the true issues of human rights and social freedom. It is about the personal journeys of very different gay and lesbian individuals who have sought refuge and comfort in the open arms of Canada," says filmmaker Noemi Weis.

The documentary also looks at Canada's unique and liberal immigration laws and the procedure by which international gays and lesbians can apply for refugee status in a country that is fast becoming the world's unspoken symbol of sexual freedom.

With some of the world's most progressive immigration laws for same-sex couples and gay and lesbian refugees, it is estimated that over 2,500 people of same-sex preference have sought admission to Canada in last three years.

GLORIOUSLY FREE is directed by Ed Sinclair and produced by Noemi Weis; it is a Filmblanc production, in association with OMNI Television.

GLORIOUSLY FREE aired on CBC Monday February 7 at 10pm ET/PT on CBC Newsworld
http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/glorious.html