BFI Flare Celebrates 40 Years with Must-See LGBTQ+ Films

The BFI Flare, the largest LGBTQ+ film festival in the UK, is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary from March 18 to 29, 2024. This year’s festival promises to showcase a diverse lineup including premieres, documentaries, and shorts, along with parties and discussions. In addition to films, a special exhibition titled 40 Years of BFI Flare will be held at Queer Britain, reflecting on the festival’s rich history.

Grace Barber-Plentie, the BFI Flare programmer, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming festival, stating, “We’ll be looking back at Flare’s history and we’re ready to celebrate.” With tickets currently available for purchase, attendees can expect a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ cinema.

For those considering attending, Barber-Plentie highlighted several standout films from a program featuring 65 feature films and 62 shorts. Last-minute tickets to sold-out screenings may become available during the festival, so checking the BFI Flare website after 11:00 GMT is advisable.

Highlighted Films at BFI Flare

One of the notable films is Don’t Come Out, a Dominican horror film that centers on an entity targeting queer individuals. It serves as a tribute to classic horror films, blending gore with a political message. Director Victoria Linares Villegas has previously been celebrated at the festival, making this film highly anticipated among attendees.

Another film to look out for is The Serpent’s Skin, directed by Alice Maio MacKay. This Australian production is a whimsical exploration of the supernatural, heavily influenced by popular culture from the late 1990s and early 2000s. MacKay, along with fellow filmmakers Vera Drew and Louise Weard, represents a new wave of trans femme filmmakers challenging traditional narratives.

The world premiere of Washed Up, directed by Isabel Daly, promises to be both enchanting and unique. This British film combines elements of magical realism with a coming-of-age romance set in Cornwall, featuring a love story involving a Selkie—a mythical creature from folklore.

Another poignant entry is Out Laws, a documentary spotlighting three queer individuals from Sri Lanka, Barbados, and Namibia, who sought refuge in the UK due to the stigma faced in their home countries. The film provides an insightful commentary on colonialism while celebrating the resilience and support found within the queer community.

Documentaries and Classic Films

The festival also features the documentary What Will I Become?, which tackles the sensitive topic of trans youth suicide in the United States. By incorporating personal footage, the film offers an intimate look at the struggles faced by two young trans males. One of the filmmakers, a suicide survivor, adds a profound layer of authenticity to this important narrative.

Additionally, To Dance is to Resist chronicles the lives of a couple of dancers in Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict. Shot between 2022 and 2025, this documentary highlights the couple’s determination to live authentically despite the societal challenges they face, making it a powerful statement of resilience.

The festival will also present a new restoration of the iconic film Pink Narcissus (1971), known for its experimental style and significant influence on queer cinema. This visually striking film explores the fantasies of a hustler, offering a unique perspective on identity and desire.

For those interested in period dramas, Madfabulous presents a lively retelling of the Marquess of Anglesey’s story, portrayed by Callum Scott Howells. The film promises to blend historical narrative with contemporary flair, featuring a talented cast including Rupert Everett.

BFI Flare runs from March 18 to 29, offering a wealth of cinematic experiences. For additional details and ticket bookings, visitors can access the official BFI Flare website. As the festival marks four decades of celebration, it continues to shine a light on LGBTQ+ stories and voices, inviting audiences to engage with the rich tapestry of queer cinema.