
2018 marks the 32nd LGBT Film Festival from BFI Flare. The festival will run from 21 March to 1 April at the BFI Southbank.
We already knew that My Days of Mercy starring Ellen Page and Kata Mara was to be the Opening Night film, and now we are able to run through the other highlights of this year’s festival.
In this article, we run through Planet Nation's top films that for diversity at BFI Flare 2018.
People of Colour: RISE: QTIPOC Representation and Visibility in Film
In collaboration with The Art Machine, BFI Flare is delighted to present RISE – an exploration of QTIPOC representation in film.
- Friday 23 March 2018 12:00 - NFT3
Gender: They
Complications with hormone blockers means 14-year-old J must decide upon a path to take.
- Friday 23 March 2018 18:30 - NFT2
- Saturday 24 March 2018 11:40 - NFT3
Political movement: The 34th
An emotional look at the struggle for marriage equality in Ireland.
- Friday 23 March 2018 20:40 - NFT3
- Saturday 24 March 2018 11:50 - NFT2
Age: Quiet Heroes
A portrait of the brave lesbian couple who, in the 1980s, were the only doctors in Utah treating AIDS patients.
- Thursday 29 March 2018 20:45 - NFT3
- Saturday 31 March 2018 18:40 - NFT2
Children of LGBT parents: F.A.M.I.L.Y.
The children of same sex parents are given a voice in this engaging and charming documentary investigating the concept of family
- Friday 23 March 2018 18:10 - Studio
- Saturday 24 March 2018 16:30 - NFT2
- Monday 26 March 2018 18:15 - Studio
Real Life: Battle of the Sexes
Emma Stone dazzles as Billie Jean King in this thrilling account of her highly-publicised fight for equality in women’s tennis.
- Sunday 01 April 2018 13:00 - NFT3
Intersex: Sidney & Friends
Candidly poignant accounts of intersex and trans life in Kenya.
- Thursday 22 March 2018 18:15 -Studio
- Saturday 24 March 2018 20:20 - Studio
- Sunday 25 March 2018 15:20 - NFT2
Disabilities: Fighters of Demons, Makers of Cakes + Q&A with Michael Achtman, Sandra Alland, Alex Bulmer, David Ellington, Matthew Hellett, Lynn Stewart-Taylor and Bea Webster.
An unconventional and often fantastical examination of LGBTQ+ disabled, neurodiverse, chronically ill and/or D/deaf lives. Packed with experimental docs, dance, animation, poetry, drama and comedy. Plus zombies.
Level access, hearing loop, BSL interpreting for Q&A, semi-relaxed, guide dogs welcome. All films captioned. Audio description available via headset. Wheelchair spaces limited; please book in advance.
- Sunday 25 March 2018 13:30 - NFT3
Top festival tip
Realistically, knowing how popular the opening film normally is, plus the addition of Ellen Page – if you want a ticket to this screening you will need to sign up as a member. In addition to being able to buy your tickets from 28 February (a whole week before general ticket release, you will also save money on every ticket you buy for the festival). Details about membership are available at the bottom of this article.
The full festival programme
The full 2018 BFI Flare programme is available here, but highlights of additional activities to the film screenings include:
- Talks with established film and television professionals who are leading the way in LGBTQ+ representation on screen.
- Workshops and Labs focusing on creating LGBTQ+ media with specific sessions around challenges in development, funding and exhibition.
- Networking opportunities throughout the Festival with a range of receptions with film and television professionals included in the Delegate Package.
About BFI Flare
BFI Flare: London LGBT Film Festival, formerly known as the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, is the biggest LGBT film festival in Europe. It takes place every spring in London, England
Tickets
- Champions can book tickets from 27 February (from 11:30)
- Members can book tickets from 28 February (from 11:30)
- General Public can book tickets from 5 March (from 11:30)
Box Office 020 7928 3232
Membership benefits:
- Save 15% on film rentals once you’ve registered your Membership number on your account.
- Save 15% on our great selection of film products when you flash your Membership card in store or whenever you log in.
- Priority booking to BFI Flare 7 days before general release.
- Enjoy £1.50 off most IMAX tickets.
- Save 10% on food and drink at benugo bar & kitchen and the Riverfront.
- Enjoy 2 BFI Southbank ticket vouchers.
- No booking fees for BFI Festivals and BFI Southbank.
Paperfree membership is £35 by direct debit (digital festival guides), standard membership is £40 by direct debit.