Sharing Isn’t Always Caring

By Laura, Editor-in-Chief

As the world’s largest exclusive distributor of LGBT films celebrates a landmark anniversary, it’s time to recognize and respect the efforts being made in this valuable industry.

Last week Wolfe Video marked its 25^th Anniversary with a bash that included appearances by some of the hottest actors in gay and lesbian film. Wolfe CEO, Kathy Wolfe (in photo, left), and President, Maria Lynn (in photo, right), joined with the filmmakers and stars of Wolfe releases like And Then Came Lola, Elena Undone, Steam, Ready? OK, Mulligans and more to celebrate the company’s legacy of breaking new ground with films that enhance the visibility of the LGBT community. The company began with the world’s first gay movie catalog and now Wolfe enjoys distribution deals at Target, Blockbuster, Amazon.com, Netflix, and Wal-Mart, among others.  But don’t let the years of success and the Hollywood red carpet event fool you… Kathy Wolfe is still down there in the trenches, continuing her quest to showcase the talent and creativity of those involved with the production of gay and lesbian film projects. And she needs your help.

If you are visiting this website then chances are you have watched and loved many movies that you would not have had the chance to view had it not been for Wolfe Video. However, there is also the chance that you caught these great works via links sent to you by someone who happened upon the films on the internet. Unfortunately, every time we watch something that was shared in this fashion we contribute to a trend that could put an end to the development of more great lesbian entertainment.

Because of the ease of use with web forums for sharing media, many well-intentioned movie fans have decided to help spread the word about a movie that they liked by uploading it for all to see. Unfortunately, this free access decreases the amount of funding that goes back to the filmmaker and puts them in a position where they can no longer produce new content. So, in the end, that same girl who loved a movie so much that she just had to show others how great it was is preventing herself from enjoying more films just like it in the future.

For many, this may seem really obvious – don’t take something that you don’t own and share it with others. Additionally, don’t watch these uploads because in doing so you are contributing to a growing problem. Keep it simple: visit www.wolfevideo.com and browse through their extensive collection of amazing DVDs and enjoy your very own copies.  Wolfe recently won the 2010 Frameline Award for influence on LGBT filmmaking, the Community Award from the Boston LGBT Film Festival, a 25th Anniversary Tribute Award from NewFest: The New York LGBT Film Festival, and the 2nd Annual Barbara Gittings Award from Philadelphia QFest… so utilize them, the really are the trusted community source for LGBT movies since 1985.

For more about Wolfe Video visit www.wolfevideo.com and check out our gallery page for red carpet photos from the 25^th Anniversary party in LA sponsored by Club Skirts The Dinah and The Lesbian News at Jetsetter.

(P.S. – In 2010 Wolfe is giving away a total of more than $25,000 in Wolfe DVDs [value based on suggested retail price] to WolfeVideo.com site visitors. Click here to enter.)

Red Carpet image above by Beck Starr.