The 24th BFI London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival will open Wed 17 Mar with the world premiere of The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister.
James Kent's outstanding new BBC Two drama, written by Jane English, stars Maxine Peake (Criminal Justice) as Anne Lister, with a superb supporting cast including Anna Madeley (Affinity) and Susan Lynch (Elizabeth: The Golden Age) and former Coronation Street favourite, Tina O'Brien.
Brian Robinson, Senior Festival Programmer said:
"It's great to be opening the festival with the world premiere of a new British film. James Kent has taken the thrilling story of Anne Lister and revealed the hidden history of a lesbian pioneer whose secret journals in code form the basis for this rare insight into same-sex love at this early date. Maxine Peake gives a vibrant performance and is supported by a superb cast."
The 2010 programme features award-winning titles from the world's leading festivals (Berlin, Cannes and Toronto) alongside some key world premieres. Documentaries continue to form an important part of the programme and archive rediscoveries include performances by Dusty Springfield (many unseen since original transmission) and rare TV drama.
The full programme for the 24th BFI London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival will be announced Thu 11 Feb.
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