The UK’s largest queer film event, BFI Flare returns to the BFI Southbank (and to the BFI Player online) for its 38th edition this month, showcasing the best new LGBTQ+ cinema from around the world over ten days. This year’s festival kicks off with London-based drag performer, screenwriter and director Amrou Al-Kadhi’s debut feature film ‘Layla’. Other special presentations include ‘Lady Like’, Luke Willis’s documentary on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ contestant Lady Camden and ‘Close To You’, in which Elliot Page plays a man returning home for the first time since transitioning, in his own first major film role since coming out as trans in 2020. As usual the festival’s extensive programme features several different strands encompassing shorts, documentaries and feature films, and there’ll also be plenty of enriching events alongside screenings, including talks with actors and makers and DJ nights in collaboration with London nightlife crews. Check out the jam-packed full programme here.
Say hello to March. Finally, the days are getting lighter and spring is here brightening up London with colourful flowers and plenty of opportunities for sunny park walks. The month also packs in a whole host of big events from St Paddy’s to Mother’s Day.
This means it’s time to finally come out of winter hibernation and set about exploring the city’s fantastic parks and gardens, world-class museums and galleries, and unbeatable restaurant and bar offerings. Watch Oxford and Cambridge take each other on in the historic Boat Race; settle down and watch great LGBTQ+ cinema at BFI Flare and the UK’s biggest queer film event.
RECOMMENDED: Things to do in London this week.