KATZENBALL

Nowadays it is possible to live and love openly as a lesbian in modern society in Switzerland, but how was it before even the term 'lesbian' was in common use? Women have always loved other women and Veronika Minder has put together a history of the Swiss lesbian scene from the 1920's onwards, spanning the decades until the present day. The stories of five women, from Johanna Berends' tales of the twenties, to anecdotes from Liva Tresch, a photographer, Ursula Rodel, a well-known fashion designer, Heidi Oberli, a committed feminist, and Samira Zingaro, representative of the scene as it is today, forming the shape of the film.

Using photos and rare archive film Minder builds together an amusing and touching portrait of lesbianism, full of poignant stories of love and coming out, spanning a hundred years of history. In each generation themes are identified which have helped to create the openness of attitudes towards different kinds of sexuality in Swiss society today. A fascinating film chronicling a hidden minority of the past, characterised by creativity and joie de vivre that shines from each image.

Award: Teddy Bear Award for Best Documemtary, Berlin 2005