After its world premiere at the Berlinale Panorama Special Tomcat, Händl Klaus' second feature length movie, an absorbing drama about a solid and happy gay couple facing loss and a deep breach
of confidence, was awarded the Teddy Award. The prize launched in 1987 by the Berlinale Panorama is the only official
LGBTIQ film prize at an A-festival worldwide.
The nine members of the international jury viewed films of queer interest within the framework of all sections of the Berlinale.
The Jury statement
Featuring a standout performance by a cat, KATER (TOMCAT) uses its furry star to expose the violence lurking under the
surface of a seemingly idyllic life. Surprisingly not a lesbian film, the story portrays a genuine and sensitive love
between men rarely depicted on screen. Writer/director Händl Klaus and his team bring together masterful editing, beautiful
cinematography, and great performances from the human cast to create an atmosphere of suspense. The result is a gripping,
puzzling, and thought - provoking film that will stick with you long after you leave the cinema
stills award ceremony
© Brigitte Dummer
TOMCAT by Händl Klaus
produced by coop99 filmproduktion
Andreas and Stefan lead a happy life together: Together with their beloved tomcat Moses, they live in a beautiful old house
in Vienna’s vineyards. They work as a musician and scheduler in the same orchestra and they love their large circle of
friends. An unexpected and inexplicable outburst of violence suddenly shakes up the relationship and calls everything into
question – the blind spot that resides in all of us.
with: Lukas Turtur, Philipp Hochmair, Toni (cat Moses), Gerald Votava, Thomas Stipsits
International sales: Films Distribution
World premiere: Berlinale 2016 (Panorama Special)
