Brian Robinson Obituary: Champion of Queer Cinema at BFI 2026

The Brian Robinson obituary honors a true champion of queer cinema who shaped the British Film Institute’s LGBTQ+ film festival for over two decades. Robinson, who died of brain cancer at age 67, was celebrated not only as a programmer but as a flamboyant showman who brought warmth and mischief to every stage he graced.

Early Life and Career at the BFI

Born in Portadown, County Armagh, Brian Robinson grew up in Northern Ireland before studying law and French at Sussex University. After graduating in 1981, he moved to London, where he met his lifelong partner Pas Paschali. Together, they helped launch the queer arts magazine Square Peg in 1983.

Robinson joined the BFI in 1987 as a press officer, later becoming communications manager for archive and heritage in 2000. That same year, he joined the programming team of the London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, which was retitled BFI Flare in 2014. He remained a key programmer until 2024, when he stepped down after his glioblastoma diagnosis.

Legacy as a Queer Cinema Elder

Over several decades, Robinson became an elder of London’s LGBTQ+ film community. His ability to connect with filmmakers and audiences alike made him a beloved figure. He was known for his mischievous rapport and supreme confidence on stage, turning every screening into an event.

Beyond his programming work, Robinson had a deep love of art and design. His London home was a shrine to 1960s pop art, and he famously loaned rare Djinn furniture to the Design Museum’s Stanley Kubrick exhibition in 2019.

Key Contributions to Film Festivals

• Programmed over 20 editions of BFI Flare (formerly London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival)
• Championed emerging queer filmmakers from around the world
• Created inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ audiences at BFI Southbank
• Mentored younger programmers and volunteers

Impact on LGBTQ+ Representation

Robinson’s work went beyond mere programming; he actively pushed for greater representation of queer stories in mainstream cinema. His festival selections often sparked important conversations about identity, love, and community.

His partnership with Paschali was a cornerstone of his life. They became civil partners in 2007 and married in 2017, embodying the very progress they helped champion on screen.

Comparison of BFI Flare Under Robinson’s Leadership

Remembering Brian Robinson

Brian Robinson’s obituary is not just a record of his death but a celebration of a life dedicated to queer cinema. His legacy lives on in every filmmaker he championed and every audience member who felt seen.

He is survived by his husband Pas Paschali, his family, and a global community of film lovers who will remember his wit, warmth, and unwavering advocacy.

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