BFI Flare Announces 2026 Lineup for Milestone 40th Anniversary Festival
The BFI Flare, recognized as the United Kingdom's premier LGBTQ+ film festival, has officially revealed its extensive program for the 2026 edition, marking a significant 40th anniversary celebration. This springtime cinematic extravaganza, hosted at the BFI Southbank in London, stands as a cornerstone event for both queer communities and film enthusiasts across the capital. With the festival set to commence in exactly one month, anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable showcase of diverse storytelling and artistic expression.
A Packed Schedule of Premieres and Classics
Film aficionados attending the 2026 BFI Flare will be treated to an impressive selection of 65 feature films and 62 short films, including a remarkable 31 world premieres. The festival will also feature a stellar curation of classic queer cinema, complemented by a dynamic array of talks, workshops, exhibitions, and DJ nights. These additional events are designed to transform the BFI Southbank into a vibrant hub of cultural activity throughout the festival period, fostering engagement and dialogue among attendees.
Highlight Films and Special Presentations
The opening night will feature the world premiere of Hunky Jesus, a documentary by American filmmaker Jennifer Kroot. This film delves into the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as they prepare for their iconic annual Easter Sunday drag contest in San Francisco. Accompanying the screening, a talk with Sister Roma and UK chapter members will explore the movement's history and impact.
Mid-festival, the Special Presentation will showcase Big Girls Don't Cry, a coming-of-age drama by New Zealand director Paloma Schneideman. This tender film follows a 14-year-old girl during a transformative summer in the early 2000s. Closing the festival is South African director Sandulela Asanda's feature debut, Black Burns Fast, which portrays a nerdy student's sexual awakening at a prestigious boarding school.
Program Strands and Notable Selections
The festival's program is organized into three primary strands: Hearts, focusing on love, romance, and friendship; Bodies, exploring sex, identity, and transformation; and Minds, highlighting art, politics, and community. Key films in the Hearts strand include the world premiere of Madfabulous, a period drama about socialite Henry Cyril Paget, and I Am Going to Miss You, a Brazilian T4T romantic drama with an all-trans cast.
In the Bodies strand, highlights include 10s Across The Borders, an exploration of South Asian ballroom culture, and Low Rider, the second feature from director Campbell X. The Minds strand features documentaries such as Barbara Forever, a portrait of photographer Barbara Hammer, and We Are Pat, examining a character from 1990s SNL.
New for 2026, a fourth strand called Treasures will revisit queer classics from past decades, including films like Pink Narcissus and The Watermelon Woman, celebrating the festival's rich heritage.
Additional Events and Ticket Information
BFI Flare 2026 will also host a variety of talks, workshops, and exhibitions, such as a Screen Talk with writer Russell T Davies and a discussion on the Netflix series Heartstopper with creator Alice Oseman and executive producer Patrick Walters. Free events include panel talks on book adaptations and film restoration, community stalls from LGBTQIA+ groups, and an exhibition at Queer Britain museum in King's Cross.
Tickets for the festival will go on general sale at 10 am on Thursday, February 26, 2026, with early access available for BFI Members starting Tuesday, February 24. Given the festival's popularity, securing tickets promptly is advised to avoid missing out on this landmark celebration of queer cinema in London.
