Similar to Berlin’s Teddy Award, an independent group is establishing the Queer Palm.

Cannes is getting its first (unofficial) GLBT award. Following on awards such as the Teddy at Berlin and the Queer Lion at Venice, an independent  group is establishing the Queer Palm.

The first Queer Palm, recognising a film for its contribution to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender themes, will be handed out May 22. The films will be drawn from all Cannes sections: Official Selection, Un Certain Regard, Critics’ Week, and Director’s Fortnight.

French directors Olivier Ducastel and Jacques Martineau are patrons of the award.

Franck Finance-Madureira, reporter for GLBT website Yagg.com, is managing the award.

The international jury for the first Queer Palm includes festival director Benoit Arnulf; Premiere editor Florence Ben Sadoun; journalist Romain Charbon; Screen International editor Mike Goodridge; journalist Xavier Leherpeur; Ecran Mixtes manager Ivan Mitifiot; festival president PAscale Ourbih; and festival programmer Brian Robinson.

More details will be available on queerpalm.fr.