Forty years of the Teddy Award – four decades of queer cinema, courage, celebration, and change. In this feature, we look back at how a small sidebar prize at the Berlin International Film Festival grew into one of the world’s most important honours for LGBTQ+ filmmaking.
With reflections on its origins, its cultural impact, and some of the films and voices that shaped it, Teddy Award at 40 is both tribute and timely reminder: representation matters – on screen, and beyond it.

Teddy at 40: Four Decades of Queer Cinema and Courage

“Better Now” is a powerful dance floor weapon by DJ Igor Volya.
A mix of driving tech house groove and emotional melodies made for clubs and radio.
Feel the energy. Turn it loud.

Dj Igor Volya  Better Now

Winter wrote its warnings on our walls
Shadows marched where children used to play
Iron voices thundered through the streets
Telling every hopeful heart to stay

But beneath the silence something stirred
Like a drumbeat buried in the snow
Every tear became a spark of flame
Every whisper saying no

They tried to break the morning
Tried to bury every song
But the deeper grows the darkness
The stronger we belong

We will rise again tonight
Like a fire in the frozen sky
From the ashes of the broken
Hear a million voices cry

Hold the light, don’t let it fall
Through the storm we stand as one
You can push us to the shadows
But you’ll never stop the sun

Old guitars are crying in the squares
Voices trembling but they still begin
Different tongues but every heart the same
Hope is louder than the drums of sin

Hands together stronger than the fear
Every step becomes a battle drum
Through the dark we feel the turning tide
Hear the distant morning come

Hey-ya hey-ya oy-oy-oy
Hear the mountains call our voice
Hey-ya hey-ya oy-oy-oy
Hearts of thunder make your choice

From the valleys to the sea
Freedom sings in harmony
Raise the flame and let it run
We are many we are one

Hey-ya hey-ya
Oy-oy-oy
Hey-ya hey-ya
Feel the ground

We will rise again tonight
Like a thousand stars alive
Through the fire through the tyrants
Still our burning hearts survive

Raise the song across the borders
Let it shake the darkest throne
You can try to crush the future
But the future is our own

Hey-ya hey-ya
Oy-oy-oy

We will rise again tonight
Hear the thunder of our cry
From the ruins of oppression
Watch a brighter world arise

Hey-ya… hey-ya… oy-oy-oy…

Hey-ya hey-ya oy-oy-oy

"Barley’s Jig" is a vibrant, authentic, and driving Modern Celtic Folk track, specifically composed for high-impact promotion and commercial use. Set in the bright and festive key of G-Major at a spirited 120 BPM, this 6/8 jig perfectly captures the exuberant "Craic" of a traditional Irish session.<br>
The track kicks off with a sharp, rhythmic Irish Tenor Banjo riff featuring rapid tremolo and triplets, instantly grabbing the listener's attention. As the arrangement unfolds, the earthy pulse of the Bodhrán (frame drum) and the steady foundation of the Double Bass create a powerful "galloping" drive. The melody is carried by a soaring Tin Whistle and a brilliant Fiddle, weaving intricate traditional ornaments like cuts and rolls into a catchy, memorable hook.

Designed with advertising in mind, the 40-second structure offers a dynamic build-up and a clean, professional "stinger" finish—ideal for TV commercials, travel documentaries, and brand storytelling focused on heritage, joy, and craftsmanship.

Buy Track

Barley's Jig

Mediterranean, Italian, Greek authentic music featuring acoustic guitars, accordeon and hand drums typical for the region. This exotic and sensual track has a sense of mystery and dangerous romance, with melodies and instrumentation authentic to Italy, Greece, Spain and other Mediterranean, European countries. (Stem files available.)

For licensing, contact
https://www.LynnePublishing.com


Buy/License

Blood of the Land

A very joyful and festive Italian, Greek, Mediterranean music track with authentic and live performed acoustic guitars, accordeon and hand-percussion typical to the region. Lovely and uplifting music of Italy or Greece, suitable for holidays and vacations, Italian adventure, vineyards and happy family gatherings. (Stem files available.)

For licensing, contact
https://www.LynnePublishing.com


Mediterranean Delight

Hot-blooded acoustic guitar music of Italy, Spain, Greece or other Mediterranean countries. Flamenco-inspired guitar strumming, with accordion, bass and percussion joining in later. A passionate and pulsating music of Italian, Greek, Spanish traditions. (Stem files available.)

For licensing, contact
https://www.LynnePublishing.com


Passion

Mediterranean, Italian, Greek authentic music featuring acoustic guitars, accordeon and hand drums typical for the region. This alluring and inviting music of southern Europe has an inviting and appealing flow, with a sense of adventure, and is authentic to Italy and the Mediterranean region. (Stem files available.)

For licensing, contact
https://www.LynnePublishing.com


Red Tomotoes

A sensual and exotic waltz in a Mediterranean, Italian, Greek or Spanish setting, with piano, accordion, acoustic guitar, upright bass and traditional hand percussion. Authentic music of Italy, Greece or other Mediterranean / southern European regions. Graceful, swaying and lovely, with dancing guitar melodies. (Stem files available.)

For licensing, contact
https://www.LynnePublishing.com


Road of Memories

Passionate and authentic Italian / Mediterranean music featuring acoustic guitar, accordeon, bass and simple hand percussion. Lively, dancing melodies in a traditional music of Italy or Sicily. (Stem files available.)

For licensing, contact
https://www.LynnePublishing.com


Sicilian Streets

Uplifting, delightful music of Italy, Greece and the Mediterranean region. Hot-blooded and full of life, this authentic and exotic Italian / Greek music uses acoustic guitars, accordeons and traditional hand percussion. Active and playful melodies create a joyful European / South European / Mediterranean musical journey. (Stem files available.)

For licensing, contact
https://www.LynnePublishing.com


Taste of Home

A warm breeze over Italian, Greek or Spanish landscapes, with the olive trees and the soft Mediterranean evening breeze. Delightful, yet soulful music of Italy, Greece, Spain or the Mediterranean region. Passionate and emotional, with a slight sense of longing and a connection with the land. (Stem files available.)

For licensing, contact
https://www.LynnePublishing.com


The Olive Harvest

A delightful, light and graceful, Mediterranean waltz that works for Italy, Greece or even other European countries in the region. Sweet, romantic and light as a feather, this piece features accordeon, acoustic guitar, piano and upright bass. Great for Italian culture, Greek villages, Mediterranean holidays and more. (Stem files available.)

For licensing, contact
https://www.LynnePublishing.com


Waltz of Happiness

🕯️ I Stand – This track was written by a good friend @K8 Sunshine and produced by #HouseNatic.
Some battles are fought in silence.
Some strength comes from within.

“I Stand” — a powerful blend of Polish & English about rising when everything tries to break you.

1,000 likes = Official release on all streaming platforms.

Let’s make it happen.

Press play and enjoy this beautiful track.
#poland #polishgirl #europe #england

🕯️ I STAND (full track) - A Powerful blend of Polish 🇵🇱 & 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 English | DROP 🔥🔥🔥

Lost Together

Driving hat grooves, warm chords and emotional rave energy.

Inspired by the modern hard house wave.

Produced by SMS.

Free Download

Lost Together (Free DL)

Authentic music of Greece, Italy, the Mediterranean region, featuring accordion, guitars, bass and hand drums. Melodic and swaying, an uplifting, fresh and exotic feel of the Greek Islands, Italian vineyards, valleys and villages. (Stem files available.)

For licensing, contact
https://www.LynnePublishing.com


Southern Child

Say InshaAllah then move on

An instrumental performance of “Tarantella Napoletana”, played on the Yamaha Tyros arranger keyboard.

This lively traditional Italian dance is performed here using the voices and styles of the Yamaha arranger keyboard, capturing the energy and rhythm of the classic tarantella.

🎹 Yamaha Tyros arranger keyboard
🎼 Performer: Richard Ellis Hawley
📍 Recorded in the North East of England, UK

I perform instrumental music on piano, organ and Yamaha arranger keyboards, sharing well-known melodies from folk music, film themes, musicals and popular classics with listeners around the world.

Tarantella Napoletana – Yamaha Tyros Instrumental | Italian Folk Dance

One Night Policy

Dj Igor Volya, also known as Igor Miroshnichenko, is a Ukrainian DJ and musician who has been captivating the scene since 2007.
A Passion for Music Ignites:
 * 1985: Born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, where his love for music blossomed from an early age.
 * Collecting the Sounds: Amassing a collection of cassettes and CDs laid the foundation for his extensive music library.
 * 2006: Embracing the digital era with the purchase of his first computer.
 * LUNA (33): Debut performances at the legendary Kharkiv club, LUNA (33).
 * Collaborations and Recognition: Working with labels such as Yellow Light Music, Eternal Music, ETM, Catun Fresh, and Sunset Progressions.
 * Radio Waves and Beyond: Dj Igor Volya's compositions have graced the airwaves of radio stations across the CIS region.
 * Musical Spectrum: Actively producing progressive house, melodic techno, and other dance music genres.
 * Remix Mastery: Crafting remixes and tracks tailored to specific needs.
Dj Igor Volya is more than just a DJ; he is a true sound artist whose creativity delivers unforgettable experiences.
https://igorvolya.netlify.app/

SoundCloud Bio – Richard Ellis Hawley
🌍 Thank you for listening from around the world

If you enjoy my music, you can now support me and unlock exclusive tracks & content here:
👉 https://www.patreon.com/c/RichardEllisHawleyMusic75

💛 Support: paypal.me/rickymuso1975

New instrumental music uploaded regularly 🎹
I’m a self-taught musician and keyboard player from the UK, sharing instrumental music recorded on piano, organ, and keyboards including Yamaha and Korg instruments.

Music has always been a personal journey for me. I play because I love it, and because music connects people across cultures and countries. It’s been wonderful to see listeners discovering my recordings from around the world.

My tracks are simple, heartfelt interpretations of music that inspires me — from film themes and classical favourites to popular melodies and organ pieces.

I’m constantly learning and improving as a musician. Constructive feedback is always welcome, but please keep comments positive and respectful. Encouragement helps independent musicians grow.

Over time I’ll be releasing albums in a variety of genres, including:

• Film & cinematic themes
• Classical piano
• Organ music
• Love songs & instrumental pop
• Dance & keyboard arrangements

Thank you to everyone around the world who listens, supports, and appreciates the music. Your encouragement truly means a lot.

Follow the journey and enjoy the music.

— Richard Ellis Hawley 🎹

Instagram @davidmalushi

Electronic producer crafting melodic house and crossover dance records built around uplifting melodies, driving grooves, and modern production.

Blending club energy with accessible songwriting, his sound is designed for both festival stages and late-night dance floors.

New music coming soon.

Lynne Publishing is a music label representing a library of high-quality, carefully developed and curated production music, available to license for use in your own media.We develop our own music with contracted professional composers, both young and exciting talents and experienced film- and TV composers.

All our music is available for easy licensing for use in media creations, such as videos, films, games, TV, online, social media, corporate use, etc. To obtain a Master Synchronization license for any of music, contact us via www.LynnePublishing.com

Dublin, Ireland
Piano House, Hard House, Groovey House, UKG
mgmt queries: seansmsmusic@gmail.com
All my links: https://ffm.bio/SMS
Soundcloud sees all my tracks first, I try to upload weekly

Composing and producing instrumental hip hop, German rap, epic soundtracks and film noir scores.
All lyrics are self-written.
Driven by mood, story and atmosphere.

Breandáin O’Shea is an Australian musician, pedagogue, and arts journalist who has called Germany home since the early 90s. With a career spanning more than three decades, O'Shea has made a profound impact on the arts scene, both locally and globally. For over 20 years, O’Shea curated and hosted two award-winning weekly arts programs for Deutsche Welle, showcasing appreciation for diverse artistic forms. His expertise has also been shared as a guest lecturer at Berlin’s University of the Arts, the Goethe Institute, and Norway's Stavanger University. O'Shea's impressive list of interviewees reads like a who's who of the arts world, including luminaries such as Daniel Barenboim, Roddy Doyle, Sting, Christo, and Jessye Norman. His insightful conversations have resonated with audiences worldwide, cementing his reputation as a leading voice in the arts community. Based in Berlin, O’Shea continues to foster cultural discourse through various mediums, from producing podcasts to crafting radio documentaries, collaborating with renowned media outlets such as the ABC and DW.

In 2018, O'Shea launched Tall Poppies: The Podcast, featuring insightful interviews with prominent figures in Australian arts and culture. His guests include stage director Barrie Kosky, conductor Simone Young, and philosopher Peter Singer. Additionally, O'Shea co-founded Tall Poppies Talks, a highly regarded Australian salon, in 2019. This quarterly event in Berlin underscores his impact on the cultural landscape. O'Shea's background lies in music performance, with a particular emphasis on flute and voice during his studies. Under the guidance of Professor Margit Kobeck in Cologne, he received vocal training and refined his skills through master classes with Vera Rosza OBE and Professor Kurt Widmer. Additionally, he is a jazz singer and pianist, captivating audiences in diverse venues, including successful tours with Sea Cloud and Aida cruises. His creative talents extend to composition, where he has crafted chansons, cabaret music, incidental music for stage, and signature tunes for various radio programs and podcasts. Moreover, O'Shea shares his knowledge and experience as a mentor for numerous radio features and podcasts, offering invaluable insights in sound design.

O’Shea has featured in various radio plays, notably portraying the lead character in the award-winning German-language series "Harri in die Zeitschleifen," which comprised multiple episodes and was produced by Deutsche Welle. 
O'Shea has been a guest at numerous music festivals all over Europe, presenting public interviews, introductions to concerts, and lectures. Among these are the International Chamber Music Festival in Norway, The Verbier Festival in Switzerland, and the International Beethoven Festival in Bonn, Germany.
In 2022, Breandáin O’Shea founded Die Buhne Rüft - Klassik, Jazz, Chanson (The Stage Calls), a concert series showcasing musicians at various stages of their careers. The concerts are held in the beautiful halls of Schloss Sacrow, located just outside of Berlin. He serves as the founder and artistic director of the series.
Among O’Shea’s accolades are a Gold Medal from the New York Festival Radio Awards for the most outstanding arts program and a World Radio Award, highlighting his talent and unwavering dedication to the arts. 
In addition to his journalistic endeavours, O’Shea is deeply committed to music education, offering private lessons in Berlin. With a focus on improvisation, jazz techniques, and composition, he imparts his knowledge and expertise to aspiring musicians.

New tracks tagged #european