The 40th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival will feature significant works that underscore the diversity of queer narratives. A highlight of the festival is ‘Black Burns Fast’, directed by Sandulela Asanda, which focuses on the nuanced experiences of Black queer youth. This film is scheduled for a special screening on the festival’s Closing Night, promising to resonate with its audience.
Asanda’s film arrives at a critical moment for representation in media. Having grown up in an environment where stories of Black queer girls were nearly absent, her journey to create this film reflects both personal necessity and broader cultural implications. In a recent interview, she discussed her motivations and the significance of her storytelling.
The need for representation in queer cinema
Reflecting on her childhood in South Africa, Asanda recalls a media landscape dominated by troubling narratives that marginalized queer identities. She encountered stories centered on violence and discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community, which shaped her understanding of herself. “There were almost no references to Black queer girls in the films or TV I watched,” she stated.
In ‘Black Burns Fast’, Asanda aims to provide the representation she lacked during her formative years. The film follows Luthando, a studious girl navigating her identity at a prestigious boarding school. When a new student arrives, Luthando is confronted with her repressed feelings, challenging her understanding of love and belonging. Asanda hopes that Luthando’s story will resonate with young audiences facing similar struggles.
Inspiration behind ‘Black Burns Fast’
The creative journey for ‘Black Burns Fast’ began amidst vital societal discussions in 2026. As Asanda worked on the film, she recognized the necessity of telling the stories of Black students in historically white institutions. “During this time, I was also coming into my queerness,” she explained, acknowledging the lack of space to explore her identity in her own schooling. The conservative atmosphere of her boarding school further highlighted the importance of her narrative.
Through discussions with former classmates and alumni, Asanda discovered shared experiences of marginalization and the need for healing narratives. She emphasizes that the film is not only about representation but also a means to reclaim and celebrate the joys and challenges faced by Black queer youth. “This became the guiding light to my development of the film,” she noted.
Personal growth through filmmaking
The process of creating ‘Black Burns Fast’ has significantly influenced Asanda’s understanding of her own queerness. It compelled her to revisit her past and articulate feelings of discomfort and otherness she had experienced. “I could see that it was always me,” she reflected, expressing a newfound comfort with her identity. This self-discovery parallels the film’s themes, as Luthando embarks on her own journey of self-acceptance.
Impact on audiences
As the festival approaches, Asanda shares her aspirations for the audiences at BFI Flare. She believes that every coming-of-age story is significant, especially those that reflect the complexities of LGBTQIA+ experiences. “I hope audiences embrace this joyful and dynamic approach to the African coming out experience,” she stated, envisioning that viewers will reclaim their own youth through Luthando’s journey.
In celebrating its 40th anniversary, BFI Flare reminds Asanda of films that have paved the way for representation. One film that holds particular significance for her is ‘Pariah’ by Dee Rees, noted for its authentic portrayal of Black queer identity. “It can be easy to forget our youth when disconnected from that part of ourselves,” she remarked, underscoring the role of storytelling in reconnecting with one’s roots.
The future of queer cinema
The importance of platforms like BFI Flare is particularly pronounced given the current climate, where acceptance of LGBTQIA+ identities often faces backlash. Asanda emphasizes that such festivals provide essential spaces for community and celebration, allowing artists and audiences to exist authentically. “We need spaces where queerness is commonplace and not ‘other’,” she asserted.
Asanda’s film arrives at a critical moment for representation in media. Having grown up in an environment where stories of Black queer girls were nearly absent, her journey to create this film reflects both personal necessity and broader cultural implications. In a recent interview, she discussed her motivations and the significance of her storytelling.0