London is awash with such good queer cinema right now. Last night was the Opening Gala of the 4Oth Anniversary of BFI Flare London’s LGBTQA+ Film Festival. Queerguru’s Senior Contributing Editor Ris Fatah was there naturally (and where he’ll be for the next 10 days) and you can read his review of Jennifer M. Kroot’s wonderful doc HUNKY JESUS HERE.
Meanwhile, in another part of South London is the city’s first ever cinema dedicated to screening the best queer movies all year round. It’s the AZNER, if that sounds familiar its because it was named after Dorothy Arzner, a lesbian film director who worked in Hollywood in the 1920s through 1940s. Owners Piers Greenlees and Simon Burke have obviously done their homework in making a safe, creative space for the queer community in which they are offering a mix of cult classics, indie favourites and festival hits which are all about, by, or related to the LGBTQ+ community.
And all done with a sense of style! Where else can you get a cocktail at the bar named after stars such as Rock Hudson or Marlene Dietrich?
Currently, they are screening the latest film from French queer auteur Todd Verow.YOU CANT STAY HERE is a compelling fiction inspired by actual events, and stars Guillermo Díaz. Expect to see blood rituals, sexual fantasies, conversations with strangers, public restrooms, porn cinemas, bars to kill time, special poppers, grief, men that give advice and provide tenderness, and even an annoying employer, intermingle in this nightmarish low-budget independent movie that has interesting camera angles that may reveal more and add to the plot but they don’t!!!! (You can read Querguru’s full review HERE)
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The Arzner
10 Bermondsey Sq, London SE1 3UN
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BFI FLARE https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/flare/ London LGBTQIA+ 18 to 29 March 2026 |
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