BFI Flare 2018 reviews
BFI Flare: London LGBTQ+ Film Festival
Formerly known as the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (LLGFF), Flare is the biggest LGBTQ+ film festival in Europe.
Reviews by Petit Printemps
FEATURE FILMS
34th
Review
This is the story of how Ireland became the first country to legalise same sex marriage by referendum!
The thought of it still gives me chills, that there are places in the world that a majority of people believe we shouldn’t have equal rights.
Most people don’t believe they have the power to change much these days, and this documentary breaks it down on how you actually really can! Fascinating how a love story and their determination in having their commitment to each other legally recognized, was the start of it all. Just a little dinner party to bring a group of ladies together and coming up with a plan.
The song “Just Say Yes” started playing when they won the vote, and I can confidently say that I will think of that moment whenever I think or hear of this song. It was like I re-lived that historic moment all over again and I couldn’t stop smiling…
BECKS
Review
Imagine having the life you always dreamt of. Musician in Brooklyn, in a band with your stunning girlfriend. Now imagine moving in with your religious mother, in small suburban town middle of nowhere…. The lead starts holding some gigs in the local pub in town to make some money, and offers guitar lessons on the side. This is how she meets her high school bullies wife, who happens to be rusty on her guitar playing and singing. She has tried to become pregnant and “start her life” but they haven’t been successful so she needs a new hobby. You have probably guessed where the story goes.
Are they soulmates? Or did they just appear in each other’s lives at the time that they needed a distraction?
INSTINCT
INSTINCT
This film begins with an unsettling shade of red – who is the artist and what is the art?
* USA – ENGLISH – LGBT – 18 minutes
* Year of production: 2017
Review
The story follows a very successful Art House Owner, who inherited the house from her artist mother. She meets a stunningly beautiful new performance artist who pushes the boundaries with blood play. Showing up uninvited to one’s home – which at first seems unwanted – leads into a steamy night, but it’s unclear what ending both parties were looking for.
FOR NONNA ANNA
A talented trans director and lead actress explore a delicate study of ageing and acceptance.
Review
The short explores the relationship of a young trans girl and her aging grandmother. There is hardly any dialogue but the beauty of this short is that you don’t need words to understand the connection – and finally acceptance – between the two women.
