BFI Flare is the UK’s biggest queer film festival, screening the best in contemporary queer cinema from around the world. The festival also runs events as well as featuring some of the best queer cinema from history. This year is the 38th edition of the festival.
As part of BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, Elliot Page will give a screen talk, followed by a special presentation featuring Close To You, written and directed by Dominic Savage and starring, produced, and co-written by Page.
BFI Flare will welcome Elliot Page on stage at BFI Southbank on 15 March to talk about his career and Close To You, which had its World Premiere in Toronto. The films European premiere will take place at BFI Flare on Thursday, 14 March, with Elliot Page, Hillary Baack and Dominic Savage present.
In Close To You, simmering apprehensions surround a family get-together as Elliot Page’s Sam returns to his family for the first time since transitioning. Sam moved to Toronto from his small town on Lake Ontario, Canada. He finally returns home to visit his family for his dad’s birthday as the grown-up children are gathered back into the fold. On his journey, Sam meets a close friend from high school, Katherine (Hillary Baack), with whom he lost touch. This moment that sparks old feelings. It is on this trip home that Sam can finally confront long-buried feelings, a first love that was never properly resolved, his relationship with his family, and a newfound love and confidence in himself. Close To You is an intensely naturalistic drama. And many of us will know the particular sense of dread associated with such emotionally charged family occasions.
“I am thrilled that UK audiences will be introduced to CLOSE TO YOU at BFI Flare. The experience of collaborating with Dominic, Hillary, and the whole team was magical, and I am honoured to be a part of this film.” – Elliot Page.
The full programme lineup for BFI Flare London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival is revealed:
Opening Night Gala: Layla, 13 March.
Amrou Al-Kadhi’s feature considers the relationship between Palestinian-British drag performer Layla and their white, straight-laced new love, Max.
Special Presentations:
Close To You, 14 & 15 March.
Elliot Page’s Sam returns home for the first time since transitioning.
Crossing, 17 & 21 March.
Lia and Achi, the protagonists in Levan Akin’s feature, forge an unlikely alliance as they hit the road trying to find a young trans woman who vanished in Istanbul.
Closing Night Gala: Lady Like, 23 March.
Luke Willis’ riveting documentary brings to the screen the life of RuPaul’s Drag Race royalty, Lady Camden,in this riveting documentary.
Curated strands
Hearts: Films about love, romance and friendship.
Bodies: Films about sex, identity and transformation.
Minds: Reflections on art, politics and community.
Best Of The Year: Four of the best queer films from the past year.
Events
Panel discussions + on-stage interviews + The Badge Cafe + DJ Nights… Delve into topics like intimacy, photography, religion and friendship… and there’s also an anarchy-fuelled quiz!
22 Feb 11:30: Tickets on general sale.
FIND OUT MORE AT https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/flare/Online/
