Tomsk Administration’s attempt failed to stop Lesbian and Gay Film Festival

Local authorities of the Siberian city Tomsk have failed to prohibit the Side by Side LGBT International Film Festival from taking place. Addressing the rights and social position of lesbian, gay and transgendered Russians, the festival is continuing its 2011 regional tour through Russia's provinces. Only hours prior to the start of the festival, several festival locations received telephone calls from authorities threatening them with measures against them if they continued to support the film festival. Festival organizers, in spite of the short notice, moved the festival to an alternative venue, where the festival was held in its entirety. The festival receives financial support from Movies that Matter International. For more information, go to: http://www.bok-o-bok.ru/2008/en/