The awards were given yesterday at the Comic Opera (for the first time) February 14, 2014

The nine members of the international jury – programmers of queer film festivals and programmes – view films of queer interest within the framework of all sections of the Berlinale. Three films are nominated for each of the categories: best feature film, best documentary/essay film and the best short film. The jury presents furthermore it’s Special Jury Award.

Members of the Jury:

Ellen Becht, Germany,  Pride Pictures, Karlsruhe
Julián David Correa, Colombia,  Ciclo Rosa, Bogotá
Ana David, Portugal,  Queer Lisboa – International Queer Film Festival, Lisbon
Oscar Eriksson, Sweden, Cinema Queer International Film Festival, Stockholm
Masha Godovannaya, Russia, Side By Side LGBT International Film Festival,
St. Petersburg
Lucia Kajankova, Czech Republic, Festival Mezipatra, Prague
Dave Kim, South Korea, Seoul LGBT Film Festival
Andrew Murphy, Canada,  Inside Out LGBT Film Festival, Toronto
Marten Rabarts, India & New Zealand, National Film Development Corporation of India

The TEDDY for the Best Short Film goes to

Mondial 2010
Roy Dib

Jury statement:

A film that takes us on a journey, both literal and personal through a hazardous landscape where invisibility is a necessary aspect of Queer survival.

The TEDDY for the Best Documentary/ Essay Film goes to

Der Kreis (The Circle)
Stefan Haupt

Jury statement:

A film that reflects on personal Queer histories in mid-twentieth century Switzerland, brings to light the necessity and urgency to resist and engage with homophobia as it proliferates around the planet.

The TEDDY Jury gives the Special Jury Award to

Pierrot Lunaire
Bruce LaBruce

Jury Statement: 

The Teddy Jury would like to recognize Bruce LaBruce’s important new piece Pierrot Lunaire as a significant addition to his ouvre, that continues to explore the notion of ‘Queer’ in every sense. Melding theatricality with edgy cinematic language, a remarkable performance by Susanne Sachsse, with sophisticated use of music, Bruce recombines these elements to renew the classic Avant garde.

The TEDDY for the best Feature Film goes to

Hoje eu quero voltar sozinho (The Way He Looks)
Daniel Ribeiro

Jury statement:

A joyous debut feature from a director who combines great writing, characterization, performance, camera, and music to deliver a film that soars above the well-explored coming of age genre, giving new meaning to the old adage ‘love is blind’.

The Special TEDDY AWARD goes to

Rosa Von Praunheim
Rosa Von Praunheimis particularly well known for his pioneering 1970/71 film Nicht der Homosexuelle ist pervers, sondern die Situation, in der er lebt [It is not the homosexual who is perverse, but the society in which he lives] that played a crucial role in launching the gay and lesbian political movement, especially in West Germany. In making this group production, he demonstrated at an early stage of his career film’s considerable potential for bringing about social change. He wins audiences over with the wide range of direct emotions and social commitment portrayed in his films. The realism that characterises his works is radically open, honest and eccentric, provocative in a positive sense and excites and sharpens the senses. His short film Mario Wirz will be shown in the Panorama section of the 2014 Berlinale. It records one of the final conversations with his good friend the Berlin poet Mario Wirz who died in 2013.

AND

Elfi Mikesch
Elfi Mikeschis an author, photographer and filmmaker and, as one of the first camerawomen of her generation, a role model for a whole series of artists who followed. The oeuvre of this pioneer cannot be surpassed using conventional means. Elfi Mikesch is always looking for a challenge, exploring and transgressing boundaries. Her artistic method involves a dreamlike slowing of the gaze, fusing art and life in a fascinating symbiosis. Elfi Mikesch is no stranger to the Berlinale; her most recent appearance was in 2011 with her affectionate documentary on the life and work of Werner Schroeter: Mondo Lux - die Bilderwelten des Werner Schroeter. Her latest feature film Fever will receive its world premiere in the Panorama section of the 2014 Berlinale.

The David Kato Vision & Voice Award goes to

Sou Sotheavy - Cambodia
Cambodian transgender activist Sou Sotheavy has spent the last two decades working to establish a national network of organizations to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people across the country.