TLA Releasing has struck a deal with web-based elective theatrical platform Tugg to bring LGBT films to theatres across the country kicking off with screening tours of Oliver Hermanus’ Cannes Queer Palm D’or winner Beauty and Terracino’s Elliot Loves.

“This is an important step for queer cinema as the ever changing film distribution landscape brings challenges,” said TLA Releasing president Derek Curl [pictured]. “Tugg brings solutions with its ability to help us move forward in bringing our films to a wider audience, who will be able to demand the films they want to see in theaters.”

TLA Releasing will partner with organisations and festivals to generate awareness on a regional level such as Out On Film and FilmOut.

Wolfe Releasing has acquired North American rights to Petunia, Ash Christian’s all-star dark comedy featuring Thora Birch, Brittany, Tobias Segal, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Christine Lahti and Michael Urie.

Wolfe Releasing will distribute the film theatrically in 2013 followed by VoD and DVD. 

Petunia centres on an emotionally dysfunctional family of sex addicts, cheating pregnant wives and gay celibates. Wolfe president Maria Lynn brokered the deal with Ronna Wallace of Eastgate Pictures.