Tickets went on sale today for BFI members for London’s premiere LGTB Film Festival: BFI FLARE, which will run from 16-27 March at BFI Southbank and other related venues. BFI Flare will present over 50 features, more than 100 shorts and a wide range of special events, guest appearances, discussions, workshops, club nights and more.
You can browse the digital guide here and to priority book your tickets, call 020 7928 3232 (11:30-20:30) or log in to the BFI website if you are a member and can get discounts. Tickets are on wider sale to the public on February 29.
FLARE is always a showcase for a huge variety of films across genres, and once again is organised into themed strands (Hearts, Bodies and Minds) to help viewers pick their films, but isolating any highlights is a hard task. Nevertheless here are five items from this year’s lineup that may intrigue, including the launch night film The Pass, which will be receiving its world premiere at the festival.
1. The Pass (Opening Night Film)
Ben A William’s feature debut follows two young Premier League footballers over three nights in 12 years, after a fumbled pass (of the sexual kind) changes everything on and off the pitch. Stars Russel Tovey.
2. Summertime (Closing Night Film)
Revolution is in the air in early 1970s France and two women’s blossoming relationship faces challenges beyond their control in a film which emphasises the beauty and sensuality of life when in love.
3. Tangerine
Sean Durkin’s acclaimed comedy drama about two prostitutes on the hunt for a ‘bottom bitch’ across LA was Smoke Screen’s top film of 2015. Features 2 standout lead performances from non-professional actors.
4. From Afar
Director Lorenzo Vigas won the Golden Lion at last year’s Venice Film Festival for this portrait of life in Caracas, as a middle-class professional becomes obsessed by a member of a street gang.
5. Holding the Man
First published in 1995, Timothy Conigrave’s bestselling memoir was an impassioned love letter to his partner, John Caleo. Director Neil Armfield’s new film adapts the hugely successful stage play.
The festival isn’t just about new releases either, several classics from festivals past are getting wheeled out too, including a sing-a-long screening of Calamity Jane. There will also be a seris of talks and Q&As, including a discussion with Silas Howard, the first trans director on Emmy and Golden Globe-winning TVseries Transparent. Check the programme digital brochure and the BFI site for more detail.