Interview with the writer and researcher Joss Morfitt ar the BFI Flare at the Festival

Joss Morfitt, writer and researcher, explored the story behind BFI Flare at the Festival’s 40th Anniversary Edition.

One of the highlights of this year’s BFI Flare Festival was a talk by Joss Morfitt, a passionate writer and researcher who recently completed his PhD at Durham University on the 40-year history of the United Kingdom’s longest-running LGBTQIA+ Film Festival. The talk explored the festival’s evolution, from a timid start in the 1980s to the internationally renowned event it has become. Dr Joss Morfitt highlighted the importance of diverse voices and the impact the Festival has had on London, British queer cinema and culture, and queer lives more widely.

Years of Archival Research and Interviews to Tell ‘The Story of BFI Flare’

A writer and researcher deeply engaged with the history of BFI Flare, Joss Morfitt has dedicated years to uncovering its origins and societal impact. The work leading up to this event involved analysing festival programming, visual identity and marketing, as well as research into community engagement in the festival’s four-decade history. By weaving together academic research, analysis of hundreds of films (mostly those selected for the opening and closing galas), and interviews with funding members and programmers over the years, the talk created a compelling narrative that captured the festival’s cultural trajectory and political shifts.

Documenting Queer Cinema’s Evolution Through the Eyes of a Contemporary Writer and Researcher

The journey of BFI Flare reflects broader societal changes. Joss Morfitt illustrated this journey with a selection of representative film clips and interviews. His focused approach involves incorporating diverse materials—such as press images, programme notes, and oral histories—to present a nuanced timeline of the festival’s programming choices and their sociopolitical significance.

The talk emphasised milestones in queer film history—such as pioneering works, moments of political activism, and shifts in representation—illuminating how the festival has responded to evolving social contexts, from the AIDS crisis to recent legal changes, including same-sex marriage and trans rights. A lively presentation packed with detailed documentation revealed how Flare transitioned from highlighting traditional gay and lesbian narratives to embracing fluid, inclusive, intersectional, and decolonial perspectives, shaping the current landscape of queer cinema.

A Vital Voice in Shaping Queer Cultural Memory

Ultimately, the work presented at this year’s BFI Flare by Joss Morfitt contributes significantly to preserving and expanding queer cultural memory. Efforts like this ensure that the festival’s history is not lost but celebrated as a reflection of societal progress and ongoing struggles. By producing comprehensive scholarship and engaging multimedia content, the work empowers future generations to understand and participate in queer cinematic culture.

This ongoing project—potentially culminating in a dedicated book and video work—will serve as a vital resource for scholars, filmmakers, and audiences alike. As society continues to evolve and global politics influence queer spaces, the insights provided by this writer and researcher maintain the relevance and urgency of spaces like BFI Flare, highlighting the enduring importance of queer representation and community.