In addition to the golden and silver bear prizes awarded at this year's Berlinale (February 9 - 19, 2012) the special CINEMA fairbindet ("CINEMA connects") prize will also be presented. An international jury will choose a film that gives viewers a new perspective on the world's problems and opportunities and a chance to discover global similarities and challenges.

Over the next few days and in cooperation with the Berlinale coordinators, up to eight films from the Competition, Forum, Panorama and Generation sections will be nominated to compete for the prize.

Last year's winner was the Iranian film "Bad o Meh" ("Wind and Fog"), directed by Mohammad Ali Talebi. Through the eyes of an Iranian boy, the film depicts how children struggled with the trauma of the Iran-Iraq War. In addition to the director's 5000 Euro prize, the award involved screenings at 25 cinemas throughout Germany.

The members of this year's jury are German actor Thomas Heinze, Lebanese television host Dima Tarhini (DW-TV) and Egyptian director Hala Galal. The German Development Minister Dirk Niebel will again present the award in person.

The awards ceremony and screening of the winning film will take place on Friday, February 19, 2012, beginning at 12 o'clock at the Sony Center (Cinestar 8).