The 23rd London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival presents a showcase of international film and special events. Dozens of feature films, short films and documentaries will be screened throughout the event, in addition to special events and guest appearances.

World cinema
A diverse collection of films from all over the world will be screening throughout the festival. A line up of acclaimed filmmakers are showcasing contemporary works tackling gay and lesbian themes, in one of the largest film events of its kind. With film highlights including debut features and plenty of fantastic flicks, this year's London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival will screen contemporary films along with classic cinema in a mix of indie and blockbuster pieces.

This year's events
The 2009 London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival will see a great line up of films, with screenings of the Oscar nominated Milk starring Sean Penn, and Stonewall, a recreation of the massively influential gay rights riots both bound to be well received. Other special events include compelling historical documentaries and an exploration of gay representation on television. Building on the success and popularity of previous years, the 2009 festival is guaranteed to be filled with even more films and exciting events.

Highlights for 2009
The 2009 festival will see screenings of dozens of films from artists around the world. Two of the centre piece films are Apres Lui, starring Catherine Deneuve and exploring themes of grief and obsession, and An Englishman in New York, the long awaited sequal to The Naked Civil Servant starring John Hurt. Special screenings of classic films plus shorts and experimental pieces are on the viewing list along with plenty of brand new documentaries designed to please lesbian and gay film fans.

Treats for film fans
For those that don't want to miss a single moment of the 2009 London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, there are several key dates to put in your diary so you know what's happening when. The 25th March sees the opening night gala, with special screenings of hotly anticipated films including Dolls, the debut film of Karin Babinska which uses the premise of a summer road trip to test the friendships of three young women. The closing night gala is on the 8th April, and includes a showing of Baby Love, a French comedy that focuses on the lives of a gay Parisian couple and their awkward negotiation of fatherhood.

Have a say in workshops and discussions
A series of discussions and workshops will give audiences the chance to talk about gay and lesbian issues in an open, lively, environment. Budding filmmakers can also find out more about turning their ideas and experiences into films of their own. Older members of the LGBT community can share their thoughts and memories of Stonewall on 31st March, while the children of LGBT families can join in with all the fun in a We Are Family session on the 4th April.

The 23nd London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival takes place from Wednsday 25th March to Wednesday 8th April 2009 at the BFI Southbank. Nearest tube: Waterloo.

Ticket prices vary. For more information and a full listing of the films, click on the link below.

London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival Official Website

Other London events

Happy Mondays at ICA

Stanley Kubrick at BFI Southbank

Salsa Rosada Dance Classes

LGBT Soho Walking Tours

Priscilla Queen of the Desert Tickets

Film 4 Fright Fest

Watchmen at BFI Imax

In The Night Garden Cinema Screenings London

Polish Film Festival

Gay Speed Dating London

Lesbian Speed Dating London

Simply Madonna

Various Voices at Southbank Centre

Wotever Sex at Royal Vauxhall Tavern

La Cage Aux Folles Tickets

London Cinema Guide

Gay and Lesbian Events in London