TLA Releasinghas picked up US theatrical and home entertainment rights to TennysonBardwell's award-winning gay coming-of-age tale Dorian Blues.

TLA partner and director of acquisitions Richard A Wolffnegotiated the deal with attorney Steven C Beer on behalf of Day Dreamer Films.

The distributorplans a September 2005 release for Dorian Blues, which stars Michael McMillian as a gayteen who experiences a seemingly never-ending series of bizarre events as he triesto find his niche in life.

"Dorian Blues was a complete surprise to us when wesaw it at Philadelphia and the audience response said it all," Wolff said in astatement. "Everyone was delighted with its mix of intelligence and charm, andwe were very impressed that a first-time filmmaker could handle the subjectmatter with such depth and substance."

'We're soecstatic to have our film be acquired by TLA Releasing," producer Mary-BethTaylor added. "The care they give each of their films and the enthusiasm theyhave for Dorian Blueshas us feeling we couldn't be in better hands."

Among the awards DorianBlues received were Outfest audienceaward for best first feature, jury award for best screenplay at New York'sNewfest, and the audience award for best feature at the PhiladelphiaInternational Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.