REVIEW: FilmPride 2026

Hello cinema lovers. Often there are sections of our society that are under-represented or ignored by the cinematic art world. Even in the burgeoning LGBTQ+ cinema scene, Black, female, and disabled queer voices feel under heard.

This event, part of FilmPride's festival at St George's Church showcased a truly diverse and inclusive group of films featuring diverse and intersectional stories. Here are some of my highlights of a strong group of offerings.

River Mamma

I watched this powerful American drama set in Jamaica about the path to self-acceptance for a trans woman, fighting not only to express their authentic selves but survive the onslaught hate-filled pastor father. Strong stuff indeed, and the inclusion of the main character's son, wife, and boyfriend highlighted a life lived fully but incomplete.

Starring Jeris DuPree the main character's strength and resilience poured off the screen. Harrowing scenes showing an immigrant's internment really strive to inform us of the main character's strength. Great job and a timely reminder of the struggle some members of our TNBI community face today.

Straight Out Of Kemptown

A wonderfully bright and optimistic short featuring Lina Talbot, an LGBTQ+ disabled woman who refuses to compromise her life and her zest for living in this intelligent documentary highlighting her day-to-day existence in fabulous Kemptown. The subject's humanity and intelligence were on proud display, and it left me with a big grin on my face. What a pleasure to spend some time in her company in this fantastic piece.

Demons
A powerful drama filmed in Nigeria starring Emmanuel Imani and featuring a gay man's struggle with the harrowing murder of his fiancée. A really strong short movie which really took my breath away with its unflinching portrait of love, loss, and revenge set against the background of homophobia and violence against queer men. I loved this movie's uncompromising tone. Nothing was toned down - the raw angry sexual violence of a demented serial killer facing down a righteous and dangerous man hellbent on justice and dignity. Strong stuff. The audience was riveted.

Old Girl in a Tutu: Susan Rennie Disrupts Art History

A quick change of tone here with this wonderfully witty portrait of artist Susan Rennie. Susan takes classic pieces of art and inserts herself into these creations to flip the narrative and bring a modern sensibility to dusty old masters. The humour of the artist shines through here in every witty comment expressed on screen, backed up by the gallery of her work. We see a clever, thoughtful woman whose individuality is a lesson to all of us. Bravo, and the audience agreed with me based on the giggles and laughter heard around the room.

Did I mention the venue? St George's Church - a wonderful venue that always impresses with its facilities. The FilmPride team were welcoming and warm, offering patrons juices and water. The space was fresh, the seats were comfortable. The audience was excited and delighted to watch the impressive range of works. Too many for me to highlight here, but all impressive and thoughtful in tone.

FilmPride 2026 runs till Saturday, 14 February at St George's Church Community Centre, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1ED.

If you get a chance to catch one of the remaining nights in this year's festival, I would strongly urge you to give it a shot. Full Festival details here