From the BFI

Welcome to the 23rd London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, one of the highlights of the BFI's cultural programme, which this year also sees us welcoming three new programmers to the Festival. The combined efforts of our committed and talented curatorial team have ensured that the 2009 edition does indeed celebrate the best in new queer cinema, with dramatic and entertaining features from 25 countries, acclaimed and insightful documentaries, a wealth of shorts and special events - and singing! Alongside these there are some reclaimed and about to be re-released gems from years gone by, spanning the breadth from Ron Peck to Rita Hayworth. Truly international in scale, and properly diverse in scope, the LLGFF helps the BFI in our ambition to present the broadest spread of moving image work to the most wide ranging audiences, both in London and beyond. We aim for the Festival to be inclusive and in-touch, an event where celebration and cultural engagement can comfortably co-exist. We offer huge thanks to the many people whose contributions shape the Festival and make it possible - to the filmmakers whose creativity offers inspiration, provocation or downright pleasure; to the festival staff, whose work is truly a labour of love; to our partners, funders and sponsors whose support is so invaluable; and to our loyal and enthusiastic audiences. Thank you all for bringing the Festival to life and making it such a unique and vibrant event.
Sandra Hebron, Head of Festivals, BFI; Amanda Nevill, Director, BFI