BFI Flare: The struggle is real

As BFI Flare continues this week on the Southbank, it's a reminder that films about people outside the mainstream really need to be more present throughout society. They may be hard to find in multiplexes, but more are turning up on streaming platforms, so search them out. Over the past few days at Flare I've seen movies about people who happen to be gay, lesbian, trans or intersex, and each has something important to say to society at large. These are resonant stories about identity and community, told through perspectives that are important to understand. And there's something powerful about watching them with at a festival like this, with audience members who are open to challenges and provocations, plus the chance to interact with the filmmakers themselves. As the festival hits its midpoint, here are some more highlights...

Big Boys
dir-scr Corey Sherman; with Isaac Krasner, Dora Madison 23/US ****
There's an internalised, autobiographical tone to this warm comedy-drama about a young teen on a journey of self-discovery regarding his sexuality. Writer-director Corey Sherman knowingly observes both small details and much larger themes, which will help anyone in the audience resonate strongly with this witty, sometimes even sexy odyssey. This is a story about a boy realising that it's time for him to come out to those closest to him. And taking the first step is terrifying.

Unidentified Objects
dir Juan Felipe Zuleta;  with Matthew August Jeffers, Sarah Hay 22/US ****
Wildly inventive, this lively road comedy has a wonderfully fantastical streak running all the way through it, even as the story grapples with seriously grounded themes. It may be a bonkers adventure involving a little person who's gay and a woman who makes a living as a webcam model, but the writing, direction and acting have a lot to say about overcoming everyday fears. It's also a hugely engaging journey that's packed with wonderfully surreal touches and moments that are both hilarious and moving.

XX+XY
dir Lee So Yoon; with Ahn Hyun Ho, Choi Woo Sun 22/Kor ****
Life is an endless series of decisions about everything from food to romance, but this film centres on things you can't choose, like your gender. Bright and observant, this Korean comedy-drama centres on an intersex teen who is confronted with this exact choice. Aimed at a teen audience, this is a witty, clever film that takes on something rarely depicted on-screen with charm and insight, relishing the awkwardness and misunderstandings between characters. And it has a lot to say to anyone who's paying attention.

The Fabulous Ones [Le Favolose]
dir Roberta Torre; with Porpora Marcasciano, Nicole De Leo 22/It ***.
With a wonderfully cheeky tone, this meandering Italian documentary-drama is a joyful exploration of connections between a group of middle-aged Italian trans women. It's a warm, honest film that reflects a varied range of feelings and experiences. Beautifully shot and edited, the movie is assembled artistically by director-cowriter Roberta Torre, revealing a matter-of-fact affection for these colourful people who refuse to be normal, so instead they are fabulous... FULL REVIEW >

Mel
dir Inna Sahakyan; with Mel Daluzyan, Lilit Lalayan 22/Arm ***
Shot in a pure fly-on-the-wall style, this documentary remains almost unnervingly honest as it traces the life of an Armenian champion weightlifter who competed as a woman but always knew he was a man. So in addition to his personal journey, the film captures the religious and political issues that drove him from his home, as well as a complex relationship with his girlfriend. By simply observing them while avoiding both controversies and narrative conclusions, the film feels unsatisfying, but it still has raw power.

BEST OF YEAR
Blue Jean
dir-scr Georgia Oakley; with Rosy McEwen, Kerrie Hayes 22/UK ****
Set in a northern English seaside town during the tumultuous Thatcher years, this drama has an earthy realism that finds timely themes almost 35 years ago. While the personal story is compelling and full of involving detail, it's not always easy to watch a film in which everyone is so miserable. Thankfully, writer-director Georgia Oakley finds moments of humour and joy along the way, and the cast is excellent... FULL REVIEW >