BFI Flare: London LGBTIQ+ Film Festival 2021
During the past year, the film industry has faced unprecedented challenges due to the outbreak of Covid-19. Faced with these obstacles, film festivals have been pushed to adapt to a virtual age. The BFI Flare: London LGBTIQ+ Film Festival is not lagging behind, jumping on the wagon and delivering the event digitally once again. Despite latest announcements of lockdown restrictions coming to an end, the event will not be postponed and be held online from March 17 to 28 for UK-wide audiences to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes via BFI Player–their streaming platform.
Committed to expanding their reach to a wider audience across the UK, Tricia Tuttle, BFI Festivals director, said: “Facing the first lockdown last spring, and with days until launch, we moved BFI Flare online — one of the first festivals around the world to do so. Now, a year on, we are launching our second digital edition and Flare’s spirit of community, solidarity, defiance and celebration is more precious than ever, and we’re excited to be able to share that with audiences everywhere in the U.K.”
As one of the world’s most significant queer film festivals, the BFI Flare has continued to innovate over the years, bringing the best of contemporary LGBTIQ+ cinema. This year did not fall short, and anyone in the UK will have the opportunity to watch a brilliant selection of queer-themed features and documentaries with just a few clicks. The full line-up includes 26 features and 38 shorts from around the world that strongly focus on individuals and communities whose contribution has had a significant impact on queer history. “In among the many stories on offer, this year’s programme shines an essential spotlight on a host of pioneering LGBTIQ+ icons that have come before, reminding us all that we must understand our past if we are to change our future.” says Michael Blyth, BFI Flare’s Senior Programmer. The programme celebrates champions such as black trans icon and activist Gloria Allen (Mama Gloria), New German Cinema filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder (Enfant Terrible), jazz musician Billy Tipton (No Ordinary Man), trans activist Connie Norman(AIDS Diva: The Legend of Connie Norman) and many more who have participated in the ongoing fight for equality.
Further films you might not want to miss are Hong Khaou’s Moonson starring Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians, Last Christmas) as a British Vietnamese man who returns to his birth country to reconnect with his roots and identity; Lingua Franca, starred, written, produced and directed by Isabel Sandoval which depicts the harsh realities of the so-called American dream for trans immigrants; and Monica Zanetti’s comedy Ellie & Abbie that is nothing like any queer teen romcom you have ever seen before. Check out the full line-up here.
While virtual festival premieres, events and shorts will be available free of charge, access to screenings require a ticket or festival pass. Ticket or pass holders will be able to sign up through the BFI Player and screen the given film at any time during the festival, having a 4-hour screening window once it has been played. Single tickets cost £10 for the general public, £5 for 25 & Under and £8 for BFI Patrons, Champions and members. They can be purchased via their official website by selecting the film–just like you would do for a cinema ticket!
Passes, on the other hand, can only be bought through the phone, calling the box office on 020 7928 3232. They are worth £90 and constitute 10 tickets. BFI Patrons, Champions and members get a discounted rate of £70. If you are thinking of getting a pass, make sure you have pre-selected the films you would like to see in advance. Bear in mind that despite taking place and not being limited to a psychical space, tickets are still subject to availability and are not unlimited, so do have a couple of backups in mind in case some of the screenings are fully booked!
As we know, film festivals do not only celebrate independent cinema and introduce audiences to emerging filmmakers but are also the pillars of the independent film ecosystem. For professionals working in the UK film industry, press and industry screenings as well as networking sessions will be held virtually. This year, the industry programme focuses on delegate networking, with a new digital platform supported by the High Commission of Canada in the UK. The full accreditation is £30 and it will allow holders to access these events as well as the virtual viewing library and a discounted BFI Membership and BFI Player subscription.
Along with BAFTA Crew and BFI Network, the BFI Flare continues to offer a year-round mentorship programme to support emerging LGBTQ+ filmmakers, helping them to strengthen their professional networks and providing a better understanding of the industry. Applications for 2021 are now closed, but interest for 2022 can be registered via BAFTA’s official website, with participation being subject to a specific criteria.
While there is a lot of turmoil, the global pandemic has undeniably disrupted the film industry, with countless challenges and opportunities emerging everywhere. Last spring, the BFI Flare was one of the first film festivals to take the leap and move online. Now, a year later, a second virtual edition proves it’s all about looking for opportunities to engage with people and maintain the sense of community. As Michael Blyth said: ”Over this past year, the need to build and support LGBTIQ+ communities has felt more vital than ever, and this edition of the festival is an opportunity to bring more people together than ever before.” And that is exactly what the 35thfestival will do!
IMAGE FROM WELL ROUNDED
