Holly Perring - OBSCURAE

Young man in pink cowboy hat and rose-embroidered western shirt sits beside red-haired woman in pink top holding a metal briefcase.

Film

BFI Flare 2026 | Best of Fest

Our amazing Flare Editorial Team gives you the scoop on the next 12 months of indie cinema you should keep an eye on

Two people lying close together on a bed bathed in blue light, surrounded by glowing candles, in an intimate nighttime scene.

Film

The Serpent's Skin: Desire Meets Fantasy | BFI Flare 2026

Supernatural powers, overpowering desire, and inexplicable deaths make for a unique and exciting indie film. The Serpent's Skin delivers a fast-paced young adult novel brought to life. This trans led queer horror is driven by mysterious characters, each hiding their own secret. New to town, a young trans

Shirtless man with large angel wings and white tutu eating a burger while floating among dramatic clouds in golden light.

BFI Flare 2026

Cherri: Depths of Despair | BFI Flare 2026

It challenges an idealistic view of the world, attempting to bring light to darker routines and inescapable self-loathing. It is emotionally bold, using as little dialogue as possible, forcing an audience to sit with the silence, perhaps trying to reflect what Cherri feels on a daily basis.

Two people smiling at BFI Flare London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, with a colorful backdrop showing a person in a red sari.

SOPHISTICULTURE

The Hijra & Trans Dignity in the Short Doc, 'Body of Our Own' (+Transcript) | Sophisticulture at BFI Flare 2026

Sophisticulture is a podcast for people who care a lot about stories and storytellers, and can be found on all major Podcast platforms.

Older man sitting in a dimly lit locker room surrounded by younger athletes changing, with blue metal lockers behind them.

Film

The Last Guest Of The Holloway Motel: Powell's Journey Back Home | BFI Flare 2026

I love the classic style of a documentary - expert interviews, a linear narrative, and handheld shots so as not to interrupt the reality unfolding. It allows the reel to feel familiar and simple enough to work with. The Last Guest of the Holloway Motel carries out this style perfectly,

Two smiling women in nun habits sitting on grass, one reclining in the other's lap, in a black and white photograph.

Film

Impure Nuns: The Black and White Ages of Queer Cinema | BFI Flare 2026

BFI Flare offered up an unusual film for this screening - from 1958 Japan, Impure Nuns has been translated and brought to England for the very first time. This film encapsulates a perspective on queer cinema that is well ahead of its time - capturing a love that is frowned

Person in gold and red saree getting makeup done at a beauty salon, with headband holding hair back, another woman standing behind.

Film

Body of our Own: Exploring culture, dreams, and expression through the Hijra | BFI Flare 2026

Used correctly, cinema can be a powerful tool. It has the power to reach estranged audiences - those who lie outside of our algorithm and are in need of a fresh and empathetic perspective. Body of Our Own, a new short documentary, lends its hand in promoting culture globally, encouraging

Two people looking at a laptop screen together, one leaning over the other's shoulder affectionately, bookshelves behind them.

Film

Julian: Love, Loss, and Legacy | BFI Flare 2026

There is much to be said about the lack of queer female relationships on screen. As cinema becomes more diverse, it is pertinent to open that space for the representation of love in all forms. Julian brings this love to life with a raw story that refuses to sensationalise devastation

Group of drag performers in colorful costumes and theatrical makeup posing on stone steps in front of ornate golden doors.

Film

Hunky Jesus: The Sexiest Justice Movement Around | BFI Flare 2026

Having premiered on Wednesday, 18th of March at BFI Flare, the gleefully sexy Hunky Jesus documentary has quickly secured its place among the greats of queer cinema. It brings irrevocable joy to the screen, as well as the power of unity in a world wracked with fear. Hunky Jesus is

Film

BFI Flare 2026 | Our Most Anticipated

Once again, we've assembled a diverse team of contributors to cover the festival far and wide this year, bringing you the best and most interesting Queer Cinema of the year!