"We are living through some of the darkest and most divided times in recent memory. But filmmaking - and especially queer filmmaking - remains one of the last truly radical acts of empathy. Our job is to capture hearts and minds, to take audiences on journeys that expand their understanding of the world, and to show them what it means to live, love, and dream differently. This year, our jury watched 22 films - each bold, each deeply human - but one stood out. It was unapologetically queer and fearlessly tender, immersing us in a world we didn't know and yet instantly felt connected to. Through its extraordinary vision and craft, it reminded us why cinema still matters. We are honored to present the Mermaid Award to Plainclothes - a film that redefines visibility, belonging, and what it means to be seen."
