BFI Flare: Elliot Page to join LGBTQIA+ Film Festival for Close To You’s European Premiere

Elliot Page is set to bring some extra star power to the BFI Flare LGBTQIA+ Film Festival this year. Organisers have announced that the award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer will take part in a Screen Talk as well as a special presentation of his latest film Close To You.

Page will join BFI Flare onstage at BFI Southbank on Friday 15 March to discuss his career and Close To You. The film gets its European Premiere at the LGBTQIA+ Film Festival after having its World Premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.

A special presentation feature of Close To You will take place at BFI on Thursday 14 March with Page, co-star Hillary Baack, and director Dominic Savage attending. Page and Savage co-wrote Close To You with Page also serving as producer.

A synopsis for the film reads: “Simmering apprehensions surround a family get-together in Close To You, as Elliot Page’s Sam returns home for the first time since transitioning, in this highly collaborative feature. Sam moved to Toronto from his small town on Lake Ontario, Canada, and finally decides to return home to visit his family for his dad’s birthday as the grown-up children are gathered back into the fold.

“It has been a real privilege to create this unique film about love, identity, and family with Elliot Page”

“On his journey, Sam has a chance encounter with a close friend from high school, Katherine (Baack) with whom he had lost touch, a moment that sparks old feelings. It is on this trip home where Sam can finally confront long-buried feelings, a first love that was never properly resolved, his relationship with his family, and a newfound love and confidence in himself.

“Many in the LBGTQIA+ community will be familiar with the particular sense of dread that can come with such emotionally charged occasions. Although warmly welcomed, misgendering and misunderstandings are only a breath away.”

Commenting on the announcement, Page said: “I am thrilled that UK audiences will be introduced to Close To You at BFI Flare. The experience of collaborating with Dominic, Hillary, and the whole team was magical, and I am honoured to be a part of this film.”

Savage added: “I’m so excited that Close To You is having its European premiere at BFI Flare. It has been a real privilege to create this unique film about love, identity, and family with Elliot Page and the incredible cast of actors. I’m looking forward to UK audiences feeling and appreciating the important themes and emotions that the film expresses.”

BFI Flare runs from 13-24 March 2024. The full programme will be revealed on Tuesday 13 February. Tickets are on general sale from 22 February and will be available here.