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Flare · 2015

Flare 2015

Minds

Programme

11 films · 6 reviews

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The Amina Profile (A Gay Girl In Damascus)

Review preview for The Amina Profile

Director Sophie Deraspe, probably best-known for 2009 drama Vital Signs, brings a strong sense of the cinematic to what, on paper, looks like a poor candidate for it.

Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
The story of a love affair that turned into a mystery after a Syrian blogger was kidnapped.

(Country: Canada; Year: 2015; Director: Sophie Deraspe)

Full review

Dear White People

Four black students attend an Ivy League college where a riot breaks out over an “African American” themed party thrown by white students. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, the film explores racial identity in postracial America while weaving a story about forging one's unique path in the world.

(Year: 2014; Director: Justin Simien; Writer: Justin Simien)

Girlhood (Bande de filles)

Review preview for Girlhood

Transformation is coming, although as with Sciamma's previous films this is not a simple, one-way manoeuvre, completed in double-quick time

Amber Wilkinson · 4.5 out of 5
Oppressed by her family setting, dead-end school prospects and the boys law in the neighborhood, Marieme starts a new life after meeting a group of free-spirited girls.

(Country: France; Year: 2014; Director: Céline Sciamma; Writer: Céline Sciamma; Stars: Diabate Idrissa, Rabah Nait Oufella, Tatiana Rojo, Karidja Touré)

Full review See: Girlhood director Celine Sciamma interview about sex, desire and friendship

In The Turn

Review preview for In The Turn

Erica Tremblay's unobtrusive interview technique draws out personal stories that hint at much bigger social shifts.

Jennie Kermode · 4 out of 5
A young trans girl finds friends and self confidence through roller derby.

(Country: Canada; Year: 2013; Director: Erica Tremblay)

Full review See: Interview with Erica Tremblay about In The Turn

The Last One: Unfolding The Aids Memorial Quilt

A documentary about the famous quilt made as it tours the US.

(Country: US; Year: 2014; Director: Nadine C Licostie)

Pride

Review preview for Pride

A feelgood parable of human nature's ability to extract the positive from a negative.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 3.5 out of 5
A group of LGBT rights activists is determined to help the residents of a Welsh village who are struggling because of the 1984 miners' strikes.

(Country: UK; Year: 2014; Director: Matthew Warchus; Writer: Stephen Beresford; Stars: Bill Nighy, Dominic West, Imelda Staunton, Ben Schnetzer, George Mackay, Andrew Scott, Paddy Considine, Faye Marsay, Joseph Gilgun)

Full review

Regarding Susan Sontag

Hungry for life and gracefully outspoken throughout her career, Susan Sontag became one of the most important literary, political, and feminist icons of her generation. Kates’ in depth documentary intimately tracks Sontag’s seminal, life-changing moments through her own words, as read by Patricia Clarkson — from her early infatuation with books to her first experience in a gay bar; from her first marriage to her last lover.

(Year: 2014; Director: Nancy Kates; Writer: Nancy Kates, John Haptas)

The Royal Road

Review preview for The Royal Road

If you are willing to drift along Olson's stream of consciousness, there are pleasures along the way, but not all her meanderings make the connections she hopes for.

Amber Wilkinson · 2.5 out of 5
Cinematic essay considering the history of California and the personal desires of the director.

(Country: US; Year: 2015; Director: Jenni Olson; Writer: Jenni Olson, Jenni Olson; Stars: Tony Kushner, Jenni Olson)

Full review

Tab Hunter Confidential

A documentary about the matinee idol and his carefully protected secret.

(Country: US; Year: 2015; Director: Jeffrey Schwarz)

We Came To Sweat

A documentary looking at efforts to preserve from redevelopment a club of massive importance to US black, gay, trans and disco history.

(Country: US; Year: 2014; Director: Kate Kunath, Sascha Wortzel; Writer: Kate Kunath)