The Berlinale's Kinderfilmfest (Feb. 6-15, 2004) has unveiled a new award for next year's event - the Crystal Bear for the Best Youth Film

The new youth film competition will showcase films aimed at audiences of 14 years of age and older. In its first year up to six films will be screened.

The new series is designed to close the gap between films screened for children and those running in the other Berlinale sections with admission for adults only.

"As in the Kinderfilmfest", section director Thomas Hailer said, "we will present an international selection of ambitious and entertaining youth films. The new series will also serve to enhance the image of the children's film programme."

The Crystal Bear for the Best Youth Film will be awarded by a jury consisting of five people who are at least 14 years old.