The long-awaited **BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival** makes its return in 2025, and film lovers can't wait. It's a dynamic celebration that promises an exciting mix from bold debuts and feature films, all telling stories from around our vibrant LGBTQ+ community. This year's lineup? It's unmissable.
The festival kicks off in style with a fresh take on *The Wedding Banquet*, starring Bowen Yang and Lily Gladstone. Then, it closes with a bang with *Night Stage*, a thrilling ride you won't forget. Covering everything from touching coming-of-age tales and gripping documentaries, BFI Flare opens a window onto queer identities and relationships like never before.
## Save these dates and discover more
Don't miss it! From **March 19 through March 30**, BFI Flare will screen an array across three intriguing themes: Body, Heart, and Mind. Each one digs deep, with 13 standout films you've gotta watch:
## Hot Milk: Searching and discovering
Based on Deborah Levy's beloved novel, *Hot Milk* comes alive under Oscar and BAFTA-winner Rebecca Lenkiewicz's direction. It stars Fiona Shaw and Emma Mackey portraying a mother and daughter duo on a quest in Spain. As Sophia (Mackey) falls head over heels with a local seamstress, portrayed by Vicky Krieps, romance sparks.
## Ponyboi: A gripping journey
*Ponyboi* evolves from a short film, driven by intersex activist River Gallo. Set against a post-9/11 New York backdrop, it follows Gallo's character as they navigate a perilous path alongside Murray Bartlett, Indya Moore, and Dylan O'Brien.
## Outerlands: Facing history
Featuring Asia Kate Dillon and Lea DeLaria, *Outerlands* dives deep with a non-binary gig worker in San Francisco, balancing relationships, work, and confronting their past. It marks Elena Oxman as a filmmaker you don't want your eye off.
## Queens Of Drama: Love and rivalry
Fast forward back in time with *Queens Of Drama*. Directed by Alexis Langlois and set in 2005, it spins a tale where rivalry becomes romance between two singing competitors. Look out as Louiza Aura and Gio Ventura shine, alongside cameos from Drag Race winner Drag Couenne and Eurovision's Bilal Hassani.
## Enigma: A trans milestone
Zackery Drucker brings us *Enigma*, an HBO documentary capturing trans icons April Ashley and Amanda Lear. Through intimate memories and archival footage, it delves deep within their transformative journeys in 1950's trans circles.
## The Silence Of My Hands: A love story like no other
Manuel Acuña directs this groundbreaking film about Rose, a deaf law student, and Saira, an immigrant exploring her gender identity, told beautifully through Mexican Sign Language.
## The Wedding Banquet: A fresh spin
This remake breathes new life with a comedic twist. Starring Kelly Marie Tran and Lily Gladstone, it hilariously navigates marriage proposals and familial dynamics.
## Dreams In Nightmares: An adventurous ride
Take a journey with Shaterra Michelle Ford's *Dreams In Nightmares*. Follow three Black queer femmes on a heart-pounding road trip, led by an all-star cast including Denée Benton and Regina Taylor, as they search nationwide.
## Night Stage: Thrills and suspense
The festival closes with *Night Stage*. Directed by Marcio Reolon and Filipe Matzembacher, it tells a gripping tale about a clandestine affair between a politician and an actor.
## A Night Like This: Unexpected connections
Starring Alexander Lincoln and Jack Brett Anderson, this movie unfurls a spontaneous romance over a single electric night in London.
## I'm Your Venus: A legacy fighter's tale
*I'm Your Venus* chronicles a gripping pursuit. Follow House Xtravaganza's compelling journey seeking justice after Venus Xtravaganza's untimely death.
## Drive Back Home: Based on true events
*Drive Back Home* leads with Alan Cumming, unraveling a true tale from 1970s America. Directed by Michael Clowwater, it follows two brothers confronting their community's prejudices.
## High Tide: Longing and identity
In *High Tide*, directed by Marco Calvani, we follow an undocumented immigrant (Marco Pigossi) as he seeks identity and belonging in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
Circle February 25, BFI Members, and February 27, general public, on your calendar—that's when tickets drop! We can't wait—what are you most excited about? Share below!
