A group of famous movie stars like Spanish film director Pedro Almodovar, American film director Gas Van Sent, British film director Ken Louch and British actor, film director and a writer Stephen Fry have said the words of support to the participants and management of the gay film festival "Side-by-side".

A British film director Ken Louch says "...The very existance of the "Side-by-side" and the participation of film directors from different countries  is a very important step towards struggling against homophobia and transphobia in Russia".

"I am very much supportive about the Russian film festival "Side-by-side"" - says Louch on the official web-site of the film festival. - You are making a brave stand on an important principle: no discrimination on the basis of gender or sexuality. Prejudice comes from ignorance. You are helping dispel that. With warmest good wishes."

Gas van Sent has also said some supportive words: "To the St. Petersburg LGBT festival, I congratulate you on your success, and honor all the participants and gay comrades throughout St. Petersburg and Russia."

The international gay film festival "Side-by-side" is held in Saint Petersburg, Russia, for the 3rd time. The shortlist consists of 34 movies from Germany, Spain, Denmark, Great Britain, Turkey, Israel, Canada, USA and other countries. The dates of the festival are 15-23 October 2010.