BFI announces opening and closing films of the 32nd edition of BFI Flare

The BFI is thrilled to announce the Opening & Closing Night Galas of the 32nd edition of BFI Flare: London LGBT Film Festival (21 March – 1 April at BFI Southbank).

Tali Shalom-Ezer’s My Days of Mercy opens the Festival on Wednesday 21 March. Powered by stirring performances from Ellen Page (Juno, Inception & Freeheld) and Kate Mara (House of Cards, The Martian), Shalom-Ezer’s follow up to Princess is a poignant love story between two women from vastly different backgrounds and opposing political views.

The European premiere of Steve McLean’s stylish and sexy Postcards from London will feature as the Closing Night Gala. The film tells the story of beautiful teenager Jim (Harris Dickinson, Beach Rats) who, having travelled from the suburbs, finds himself in Soho where he falls in with a gang of unusual high class male escorts ‘The Raconteurs’. Set in a vibrant, neon-lit, imaginary vision of Soho, this morality tale manages to be both a beautifully shot homage to the spirit of Derek Jarman and a celebration of the homo-erotic in baroque art.

The Festival is also delighted to announce Pureland Foundation as Main Supporter of BFI Flare: London LGBT Film Festival.  A three-year commitment to the Festival, starting in 2018, this marks a significant philanthropic contribution from the Foundation, which through its grants aims to support social, spiritual and emotional wellness and enrich lives through art and music: values of core importance to the BFI and especially BFI Flare: London LGBT Film Festival. The BFI are hugely grateful for this contribution.

My Days of Mercy is written by BAFTA-nominated British writer Joe Barton (The Ritual & iBoy) and the film is produced by Ellen Page, Kate Mara, Christine Vachon and David Hinojosa. Great Point Media are handling international sales.

Postcards from London is Steve McLean’s long-awaited follow-up to his 1994 Sundance and Indie Spirit-nominated drama Postcards from America. Soledad Gatti Pascual produced the film and the project is funded with support from the BFI and Creativity Capital. The Bureau are handling international sales and Peccadillo Pictures will release the film in the UK later in 2018.

Michael Blyth, BFI Flare’s Senior Programmer says:

“It’s a pleasure to open this year’s Festival with My Days of Mercy, Tali Shalom-Ezer’s politically resonant and emotionally astute drama. This is bold and provocative filmmaking, featuring captivating performances from both Kate Mara and Ellen Page, the latter of whom continues to show such inspiring commitment to telling LGBT stories on screen.”

Tricia Tuttle, Artistic Director, BFI Festivals says:

“In recent years, the Festival has been developing links between the established film industry and the UK’s very exciting new generation of emerging LGBT identified filmmakers. We’re seeing a true strength in depth of talent in the UK and it’s a real thrill to see this in action with our Closing Night film, Steve McLean’s stylish and witty Postcards from London, a love song to European queer art and culture.”