ADVERTORIAL
BFI Flare: London LGBTIQ+ Film Festival is the biggest of its kind in Europe that hasn’t changed for 2021, as all the incredible films that are being shown this year are available to stream online. Whilst the world gets back on its feet I’m all here for doses of culture and staying safe at the same time!
If you love and appreciate QTIBPOC representation in film, BFI Flare will have something for you. We’ve put together a list of our favourite films that are truly unmissable.
From Wednesday 17 to Sunday 28 March 2021, join BFI Flare: London LGBTIQ+ Film Festival for new feature films, free short films and special events. Anyone across the UK can join in!
HEARTS – For the romantic in you.
Boy Meets Boy
TW: Please note, this film contains flashing images and scenes of drug use.
Have you ever fallen in love in one day? Harry meets Johannes on a sweaty dance floor of a club in Berlin (good times) and after sharing a kiss they strike up a conversation. But with Harry’s imminent flight home to the UK looming, the pair spend the entire day together walking around, discussing their lives and values which forces each one to confront their values.
MINDS – For reflection, for the culture.
Mama Gloria
As a community, it’s important to honour those who paved the way for us to be able to live out loud and proud.
Mama Gloria is the story of Gloria Allen, 75, a trailblazing Trans activist from Chicago who is helping younger generations of trans people live out loud. In this beautiful documentary, Gloria narrates her life from early childhood, becoming a fixture in Chicago’s ballroom scene, creating a charm school for Trans girls and showing what’s possible when Trans people are affirmed by their families and community.
BODIES – Stories of sex, identity and transformation.
I Am Samuel
Samuel grew up on a farm in the Kenyan countryside, where tradition is valued above all else. Samuel moves to Nairobi to start a new life, where he finds freedom in a community of queer men and falls in love with Alex. Filmed over the course of 5 years, this documentary tells the story of love, family and finding “home”.
The Obituary of Tunde Johnson
TW: Racism, homophobia, police brutality and death
Tunde Johnson is a Nigerian-American who lives a comfortable, affluent life until he’s stopped by the police whilst driving and becomes a victim of police brutality in a racially motivated killing. In this drama, Tunde relives the day over and over again, like groundhog day. Each time Tunde wakes up he tries to change his fate but he is faced with the harsh reality of being a queer Black teenager in America.
Rebel Dykes
Whilst this film is called Rebel Dykes, it does include commentary of the lived experiences of Black Folx. (They’re giving me AfroPunk before there was an AfroPunk, vibes)! If you’re interested in seeing what it was like for those who paved the way and walked before us from a British standpoint, this is the film for you.
Whilst the films featured above are pay per view, if you’re 16-25 you can sign up FREE for reduced rate tickets of £5 with a 25 & under account.
SHORT FILMS
If you are strapped for cash, don’t worry we got you! You can still enjoy selected BFI shorts for free on BFI Player! The full list is here.
WE TWO
Whether you fully moved in or had a part-time living arrangement (the after-work from Friday night to a Sunday afternoon, kind) If you have an Ex, We Two will resonate.
Above The Troubled Water
A story that is none too familiar for many of our brothers and sisters, is that of Bisi, in the UK and his two friends, Damoshe in New York, and Ade in Toronto who all used to live in Nigeria, but were forced to flee for their safety. All because of their sexuality.
Above The Troubled water is a docu-film about 3 friends adjusting to life in exile.
Acrimonious
Acrimonious follows Black British protagonist, Emeka who’s plunged back into reality – living back in Hayes where he grew up – and also myself lol – after a divorce and living the middle-class dream as a “stealth gentrifier”. It’s funny, and it’s relatable. *Sighs in seeing people who look and sound like me and my friends*
Book now to watch a film or event at BFI Flare
You can check out the festival brochure here!
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