On April 5, 2009, Wouter passed away in Bangkok.

To all of us at the HKLGFF, it was a devastating blow. Wouter, as our Executive Director, was instrumental in creating the HKLGFF Society and making it an independent film festival from its roots at the Arts Centre. He was our leader, giving us invaluable advice and assistance whenever we needed it. He was also a great friend to all of us, always making sure that everyone was recognised and felt appreciated for our work at the HKLGFF.

Wouter was the co-chairman Fortissimo Films, a company he founded, and which worked tirelessly to promote LBGT cinema. Wouter was active in promoting the classic films that helped create the ‘New Queer Cinema’ movement, with Fortissimo handling seminal films such as Poison, Swoon and Totally Fucked Up.  Filmmakers that Fortissimo has championed and supported include Gregg Araki, Todd Haynes, Tom Kalin, John Greyson, and John Cameron Mitchell. Wouter was also well respected in the film community as a tireless champion of Asian cinema, and helped to bring many Asian queer films to audiences across the globe, inlcuding hits such as The Iron Ladies, Formula 17, No Regret, East Palace, West Palace, and Happy Together, to name but a few.

The HKLGFF always knew that it was vital for our audience to know the invaluable contribution Wouter and Fortissimo Films had made, and while none of us could anticipate the tragedy that took place, this award has always been long overdue. Therefore, with a heavy heart, we present this year’s Prism Award to Wouter Barendrecht, our dearest friend. We will forever miss you.

Vicci Ho
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