Berlin, 3 February 2009 – During the Berlinale, the national and international film and media industry will meet in the HomeBase to debate a range of film-related topics. This year, for the very first time, the lounge will be open to film aficionados from all around the world: From 8 to 12 February, Twinity will be broadcasting the ‘Akademie Breaks’ and ‘DigiDays’ live in virtual Berlin. Members of the 3D online world Twinity can take an active part in the star-studded panel discussions and join in the live debate.

A particular highlight of these exclusive Berlinale livecasts is the ‘Akademie Breaks’ panel “Because they know what they are talking about – How first hand film teaching inspires!” with Michael Ballhaus, Thomas Binotto, and Peter R. Adam. This panel discussion will be held on 11 February in the real and the virtual HomeBase Lounge in Twinity simultaneously. The Twinity 3D community can catch the entire ‘Akademie Breaks’ program, organized by the German Film Academy from 09 – 12 February, and the event series ‘DigiDays’ live in the virtual HomeBase Lounge.

“The virtual expansion of HomeBase into Twinity opens up whole new opportunities for us,” enthused Simon Chappuzeau, Managing Partner of the HomeBase Lounge. “International filmmakers will be able to profit from the knowledge and experience of panel participants in a previously unrealized way, and even participate in the live debate,” continued Chappuzeau. The virtual HomeBase Lounge was designed and realized by Force Sunrise, a full-service agency for virtual worlds and 3D web projects, with support from Media.net.

The virtual world Twinity is currently in public Beta. Register for free membership at www.twinity.com and begin exploring the world today.

Download the press release as PDF here: English version /German version