Flare: Be kind

This is the second edition of BFI Flare to be held virtually, and it was a pared down edition this year. I managed to catch all but five of the features, and I also saw 22 short films this year. The quality level was exceptional, and it's a shame how many of these movies won't get distribution, meaning that they will be very hard to find, especially the smaller gems. But they're worth seeking out on streaming services in the coming months as a welcome antidote to Hollywood bombast. The films and events at this festival always carry a strong personal punch, which is why it's one of my favourite annual cinematic events. And I am of course looking forward to the no doubt exuberant parties next year. Not that I can remember what a party feels like! Here are two final film highlights, plus my favourite features and shorts...

I Am Samuel
dir Pete Murimi; with Samuel, Alex, Redon, Rebecca 20/Ken ****
Filmed over the course of five years, this is an astonishingly brave documentary about a gay man's life in Nairobi. Homosexuality isn't illegal in Kenya, but "unnatural" sex is a felony. And vicious public attitudes are even more dangerous. But Samuel knows that it's important for him to tell his story, and filmmaker Pete Murimi has made a remarkably intimate film that eloquently pleads for compassion and understanding... FULL REVIEW >

Valentina
dir Cassio Pereira dos Santos; with Thiessa Woinbackk, Guta Stresser 20/Br ****
Infused with earthy realism, this Brazilian drama highlights the enormous obstacles a trans teen faces in a society that's tilted against her. Using handheld camerawork to create a fly-on-the-wall style, filmmaker Cassio Pereira dos Santos recounts a series of everyday situations caused by people who are thoughtless and sometimes outright hateful. And the film sharply depicts intrepid people who stand up to hate in whatever way they can... FULL REVIEW >

B E S T   O F   T H E   F E S T

1. 
   POPPY FIELD
2. SWEETHEART
3. JUMP, DARLING
4. I AM SAMUEL
5. RURANGI
6. SUBLET
7. BOY MEETS BOY
8. THE DOSE
9. VALENTINA
10. FIREBIRD

B E S T   S H O R T S

1. 
   LAND OF THE FREE
2. BEING SASCHA
3. ESCAPING THE FRAGILE PLANET
4. VICTORIA
5. COSMOPOLITAN
6. POOL BOY
7. THE NIGHT TRAIN
8. BABY LIES TRUTHFULLY
9. SON OF SODOM
10. EDEN

All feature and short film reviews are linked on the site's BFI FLARE page.