More than 100 free tickets have been made available for a screening of an award-winning independent film through the support of the LGBTQ+ charity OutBermuda.

The Inspection, starring Jeremy Pope and Gabrielle Union, is set to be shown at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute’s Tradewinds Auditorium on Saturday.

The film is based on the true story of Ellis French, a troubled gay Black man who enlists in the US Marine Corps in the 1990s.

BUEI announced that, thanks to the support of OutBermuda, 125 general admission tickets had been made available free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Zakiya Johnson Lord, co-chairwoman of the charity, said: “The opportunity to partner with BUEI in the screening of The Inspection is a welcomed chance to remind members of the LGBTQ+ community of the value of the arts, togetherness and the power of visibility. Bermuda is ours to enjoy.

“We have to create ‘safe space’ by taking up more space together and by partnering with organisations such as BUEI to create opportunities for us to come together.

“We want to remove any barriers to attending the film and by offering free tickets we’re saying if you want to go, we got you. Come as you are. You are not alone.”

Tiffany Paynter, OutBermuda’s executive director, added: “The Inspection is a beautiful offering to our LGBTQ+ community and an invitation to the wider community to explore and expand our understanding of the complexities of family, love and finding the courage to live unapologetically.

“I look forward to seeing our communities, friends and allies at BUEI on Saturday Night.”

Those who wish to reserve their seats can do so online at buei.bm.

Later this month, the BUEI is set to screen the award-winning documentary Summer of Soul, directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, which highlights the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival.

The Harlem Cultural Festival took place over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969 with performances from artists including Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Mahalia Jackson and BB King.

Summer of Soul is set to be screened on April 22 at 7pm as part of the Films at BUEI series.

Films selected for screening as part of the series are intended for mature audiences and include a ticket option package featuring a beverage such as wine, beer or a non-alcoholic drink and snacks to enjoy during each show.