BFI Flare Unveils 40th Anniversary LGBTQIA+ Film Lineup

Russell T. Davies, Lux Pascal, Rupert Everett among talent featured at London festival

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 40th BFI Flare London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival has announced its 2026 lineup, including the world premieres of films starring Lux Pascal, Rain Spencer, Rupert Everett, and Lena Dunham. The festival will open with the documentary "Hunky Jesus" and close with "Black Burns Fast." Doctor Who creator Russell T. Davies will also participate in a festival Screen Talk.

Why it matters

The BFI Flare Film Festival is a leading event for LGBTQIA+ cinema, providing a platform for diverse and authentic stories. The festival's 40th anniversary program showcases the breadth of queer filmmaking, from established talents to emerging voices, reflecting the community's continued fight for visibility and representation.

The details

The festival's lineup includes the world premieres of several films, such as "Queen of Coal" starring Lux Pascal, "Madfabulous" with Rupert Everett, and the Lena Dunham-produced short "Notice Me." Other highlights include "Pillion," a kinky BDSM romance, and "Satisfaction," a study of creative tension between British composers. Doctor Who creator Russell T. Davies will also participate in a festival Screen Talk, discussing his acclaimed career and upcoming projects.

  • The 40th BFI Flare London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival will run from March 18-29, 2026.
  • The festival will open with the world premiere of "Hunky Jesus" on March 18.
  • The festival will close with the world premiere of "Black Burns Fast" on March 29.

The players

BFI Flare London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival

A leading film festival in the UK that celebrates LGBTQIA+ cinema and storytelling, now in its 40th year.

Russell T. Davies

The acclaimed creator of Doctor Who, known for his groundbreaking LGBTQIA+ television shows like Queer as Folk, Cucumber, Banana, and It's a Sin.

Lux Pascal

An actor starring in the world premiere film "Queen of Coal," a portrait of Patagonia's first female coal miner.

Rupert Everett

A veteran actor starring in the world premiere of the quirky period drama "Madfabulous" at the festival.

Lena Dunham

The acclaimed writer-director who is producing the short film "Notice Me" premiering at the festival.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The 40th BFI Flare London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival will take place from March 18-29, 2026 at the BFI Southbank in London.

The takeaway

The BFI Flare Film Festival's 40th anniversary program showcases the breadth and diversity of contemporary LGBTQIA+ cinema, providing a vital platform for bold, authentic storytelling that reflects the community's continued fight for visibility and representation.