Celebrating the hearts, bodies and minds of London’s LGBTIQ+ community, BFI Flare returns for another scorching year of queer cinema. Expect new faces and old favourites on the big screen, along with some great talks and events. For more of this month’s top events, check our full lineup. Dozens of films from all aspects of LGBTIQ+ culture are being screened. Themes include love, romance, sex and transformation.

Best in Fest

The event organisers at BFI Flare have handily picked out their favourite queer films of the last 12 months for all to see. This year’s line-up includes And Then We Danced, Booksmart, Pain and Glory and Portrait of Lady on Fire.

Five Films for Freedom

As in previous years, Five Films for Freedom will be returning to millions of screens worldwide. The event allows viewers at home to watch five selected short films from across the world absolutely free of charge.

Events

If you’d rather walk among friendly faces, there are live events of all kinds. The Big Gay Film Quiz will be returning on 23 March. Bring a team of four or come solo and join a team of fellow quiz enthusiasts. Tickets are £5.00.

Talks and seminars include explorations of lesbian cinema, drag queen storytelling and conversations on intersex culture, queer disability and the right to make decisions about our own bodies.

BFI Flare is also hosting several club nights. Expect disco, electro, 90s R&B and perhaps the world’s first queer Bollywood club night. There’s even a night of 60s and 70s tunes “for those who thought their clubbing days were over.

Tickets for BFI Flare

Movie screening tickets for the general public are £12.60 (£10.20 concessions). Matinee screenings (before 5 pm) are £8.00, so it’s well worth getting in early if you’ve a free afternoon.

All Film screenings on 29 March are just £8.00, so be sure to book ahead if you’re looking for discounted tickets. And if you’re lucky enough to be 25 or under, tickets throughout the festival are a steal at £3.00.

Tickets for non-BFI members go live 27 February, with additional tickets going live on 12 March. Book early to avoid disappointment!

(Felix Wilson)