Franz Grabner Prize - 2026

for "Austria Under The Rainbow"

Excerpts from the Jury Statements

"Using personal life stories, the long struggle of the queer community for recognition and equality is told empathically, carefully, and at the same time vividly, loudly, and joyfully. The diversity is shown and celebrated, while the historical and socio-political contexts become tangible... 'Austria under the Rainbow' is a cheerful film full of strong and positive personalities. The path from forced, involuntary hiding to the loud, joyful self-expression is powerful. And it is one that many people inside and outside the queer community proudly and naturally take today," says the Franz Grabner Award Jury.

Sharon Nuni, Head of ORF TV Culture Documentaries

"This year's submissions also impressively show how diverse and courageous Austrian documentary filmmaking is: formally independent, precisely focused on content, and always dedicated to people. I warmly congratulate the award winners on this well-deserved honour and am particularly pleased about the recognition of the ORF co-production 'Austria under the Rainbow'. In his film, director Robert Styblo tells the queer history of the Second Republic – a history of disadvantage and exclusion, but also a history of courageous people and their hard-won successes," says Nuni.