BFI Flare

The 38th edition of BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, one of the world’s most significant and long-standing queer film events in the LGBTQIA+ calendar, today reveals its full programme. BFI Flare will take place at BFI Southbank, which alongside packed screenings, will be buzzing with special events and DJ nights during the festival. A selection of titles will be available to UK-wide audiences on BFI Player and to international audiences online via Five Films for Freedom – now celebrating its 10th year, in partnership with The British Council. BFI Flare is divided into three thematic programme strands: Hearts, Bodies and Minds and this year presents 33 World Premieres (across features and shorts) with 57 features and 81 shorts from 41 countries. Tickets go on sale on 20th February for BFI Members and on general sale from 22 February.

As previously announced, BFI Flare opens with the European Premiere of LAYLA, Amrou Al-Kadhi’s stunning debut feature which recently had its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Deeply personal and engaging, starring Screen Star of Tomorrow Bilal Hasna in the titular role, Layla tells the story of a struggling Arab drag queen whose confident façade hides their desperate desire for love. The festival’s closing night film is the World Premiere of docu-fiction Lady Like by director/producer Luke Willis. Lady Like follows the story of London-born, San Francisco-based drag queen Lady Camden, aka Rex Wheeler, as she is catapulted into the spotlight on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 14. In this rags to riches origin story, Lady Camden struggles to manage the demands of her freshly minted international fame, while Rex is forced to come to terms with the troubling childhood he left behind in Camden which drove him to so desperately seek joy, fantasy and escape through the performing arts.

The BFI Flare 2024 Programming team are Grace Barber-Plentie, Jay Bernard, Diana Cipriano, Zorian Clayton, Rhianna Ilube, Darren Jones, Wema Mumma and Brian Robinson.

BFI Flare programmers said:

“This year’s BFI Flare offers something new and refreshing to audiences – film gems aimed to inspire and celebrate the sheer diversity of queer communities around the world. We’ve got a packed programme of screenings, talks and events. Whether you want to make badges, forge friendships or have a boogie, there’s something for all in this festival.”