TEDDY 22

The world's most important gay and lesbian film prize, the TEDDY, will be awarded for the 22nd time at a grand gala as part of this year's Berlin International Film Festival. Filmmakers whose work brings to light gay, lesbian and transgender life will be honoured at the House of World Cultures.

While films featuring gay and lesbian subject matter have achieved mainstream acceptance in some places, queer film culture, like queer life, is still suppressed in many parts of the world and therefore depends on international support.

The inclusion of a gay and lesbian film prize in a major international film festival like the Berlinale sets an important signal – and so should be celebrated. On February 14th at the House of World Cultures a ceremony full of pride and glamour will recognise filmmakers who – like Pedro Almodóvar, Gus van Sant, François Ozon and many others before them – have enriched the world with queer films.

The Award Ceremony and ensuing Party are a high point of the Berlinale and will be followed with great interest. As in years past, ARTE television will be on the scene to broadcast the best moments of the Teddy film night.

http://www.teddyaward.org