Out Film CT, the nonprofit cultural organization that presents the annual Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, will be honored with the New Haven Pride Center's Dorothy Award in March.

The Dorothy Awards are presented each year to organizations and individuals for outstanding contributions to the LGBT community. Out Film CT's award recognizes the organization for creating the state's largest LGBT cultural event, for using the art of film to educate, entertain  and enlighten audiences for 2 ½ decades, and for presenting the very best dramas, comedies, documentaries and short films that capture the essence of the LGBT experience. The award comes just months before Out Film CT opens the film festival's 25th season.

"For 25 years, Out Film CT has consistently enchanted Connecticut moviegoers with its unique and engaging selection of films that appeal to all elements of the LGBT community and the community at large," said Thomas Donato, co-president of the New Haven Pride Center. "We are delighted to recognize Out Film CT for its contribution to the community and look forward to helping it celebrate its 25th season."

"It's a great honor to be selected for a Dorothy Award and we thank the New Haven Pride Center for this recognition," said Shane Engstrom, executive director of Out Film CT. "This award truly belongs to all of the committee members and volunteers who have given so much time and energy to organize and staff the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival over the past 25 years."

Out Film CT is a nonprofit cultural organization dedicated to presenting outstanding LGBT cinema and other theatrical events throughout the year, culminating in the nine-day Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.  The 25th annual festival takes place June 1 - 9 at Cinestudio on the Trinity College campus in Hartford.

For more information, call 860-586-1136, or visit http://www.outfilmct.org/.