5 essential films to see at BFI Flare 2019

‘It’s a beautifully made film about the writers Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf that speaks to queer identities in a very modern way. It’s a London-y story and Gemma Arterton and Elizabeth Debicki are fantastic in it. It’s always nice to start with a British film and it’s great to have a female filmmaker represented in Chanya Button. Oh, and the costumes are gorgeous.’

‘There’s a lot of interesting films around about unusual, strong female characters – and in the case of the closing gala, “JT LeRoy”, strong queer female characters. It’s about Laura Albert, a writer who wrote bestselling novels about JT LeRoy, a trans kid who lived on the streets. When a publisher wanted to know who LeRoy was, she convinced her sister-in-law Savannah Knoop to pose as her for five years. It’s a mad journey – and Savannah is coming over for the festival.’

‘This is the story of an unlikely friendship between an old genderqueer drag queen and a young drag performer. It’s political, but funny and moving with it. There’s a lot of darker films in the festival, but this one will make you feel good.’

‘This dark Austrian film blends horror and coming-of-age themes. There are a few coming-of-age films from around the world at the festival, including “Rafiki” from Kenya, a Slovenian film called “Consquences” and “Socrates”, which is co-written, directed and acted by Brazilian kids. They give a snapshot of what it’s like growing up as a queer person around the world.’

‘Frédéric Tcheng, who made “Dior and I” a few years ago, has made an incredible documentary about the American designer: it’s slick, fun and interesting. People who are into fashion and design will absolutely love it.’