BFI Flare is returning for its 39th edition this March with a bumper programme of 130 LGBTQIA+ films from around the world. Taking place online and at the BFI Southbank, the programme is split into three main sections – Hearts (with films about love and romance), Bodies (stories about identity, transformation and sex) and Minds (films that touch on politics, community and art) – plus a selection of Shorts.
The festival opens with Andrew Ahn’s The Wedding Banquet, a modern take on the 1993 Ang Lee film that’s fresh from its premiere at Sundance, and closes with Brazilian film Night Stage. And there’s plenty to keep you entertained in between, including a special presentation of Dreams in Nightmares, a black queer take on the road movie; Sally! Deborah Craig’s portrait of lesbian activist Sally Gearhart; I’m Your Venus, a documentary on murdered ballroom legend Venus Xtravaganza, who featured in Paris Is Burning; and Hot Milk, Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s adaptation of Deborah Levy’s novel, starring Emma Mackey, Fiona Shaw and Vicky Krieps.
As well as all those movies to watch, you can get involved in a range of events, from scriptwriting workshops and panel talks to gay film quizzes and DJ nights.
Tickets for BFI Flare go on sale to BFI Patrons at 12pm on Mon 24th February, to BFI Members at 12pm on Tues 25th February and to the general public at 12pm on Thurs 27th February.
Key Information
Dates | Weds 19th – Sun 30th March 2025
Address | Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XT
For more information | bfi.org.uk