BFI Flare is one of the most significant and long-standing films events in the world’s LGBTQ+ calendar.

This year it will present over 50 feature films, more than 90 shorts, and a wide range of special events, guest appearances, discussions, workshops and club nights.

Opening this week with the UK premiere of ‘My Days of Mercy’ the festival will run until 31st March.

This year’s Centrepiece Screening is the world premiere of UK feature documentary ‘A Deal with the Universe’, the debut from former BFI Flare programmer Jason Barker. The biographical documentary tells the story of a very different – and poignant – kind of pregnancy.

Alongside the films there will be workshops throughout the festival, focussing on themes of inclusion, identity and people of colour.

The festival will conclude with the European premiere of ‘Postcards from London’, set in an imaginary version of Soho.

Raising Awareness

HIV/AIDS has been a central concern of queer filmmakers since the 1980’s. This year’s programme will reflect on the rich history of AIDS on screen.

There will be a special screening of Robin Campillo’s modern queer classic, ‘120 BPM’, a heart-breaking account of AIDS activist group ACT-UP; Paris.

BFI Flare Programmer Brian Robinson told City News:

“the festival gives Londoners the opportunity to reflect on the rich history of LGBTQ+ communities.”

“It also offers a space for the LGBTQ+ community to meet, discuss and reflect on many important issues.”

Mr Robinson will give an illustrated talk on the Cinema of Aids – featuring 30 years of the virus on screen.

Classic AIDS-inspired films  including ‘Buddies’, ‘Silverlake Life: The View from Here’ and ‘A Home at the End of the World’ will be shown throughout the festival.

Tune in to City News at 3:30pm for the full report…