Editor

TLAgay.com (http://www.tlagay.com/), one of the largest online and direct mail DVD and VOD entertainment retailers for gay entertainment, announced today the winners of the 2010 TLAgay.com Short Film Contest. Filmmakers from all over the United States submitted gay-themed short films to TLA's corporate office in Philadelphia, where 12 of those films were chosen as finalists. Film lovers of all stripes were encouraged to visit www.tlagay.com/gayshortscontest to digitally screen the 12 finalists (free of charge) and then select their favorite.

A 1st place prize of $1,000 will be awarded to director Travis Matthews. His intensely sexual short film I Want Your Love, produced by NakedSword.com, received the most votes from TLAgay.com users. The film focuses on two gay friends who decide to take their relationship to the next level and is set to be adapted into a feature-length film.

"We're all very excited to hear this and it couldn't have come at a better time - as we move into production on the feature version of I Want Your Love! What a great way to start the year. We've had so much good will and enthusiasm behind this project that I'm hoping to carry it right into the feature version," said Matthews when told of the award.

The 1st and 2nd runners up will be awarded $300 and $200 TLA Gift Cards, respectively. The 2nd place prize was earned by director Christopher Ludgate for his political satire The Love Permit. Set within an alternate reality where American citizens must apply for government permission before they can begin a relationship, The Love Permit takes aim at laws preventing gay marriage.

"I'm so happy that this film received such great visibility and very pleasant feedback. I am grateful to TLA and the entire audience," said second place winner Ludgate.

The dramatic short The Golden Pin, from director Cuong Ngo, took third place. Following a Vietnamese-Canadian swimmer struggling with unrequited love, The Golden Pin is an honest and compasionate story about coming to terms with your sexuality.

TLAgay.com users will be able to watch all three award-winning films throughout the month of January for no charge. You can view each film instantly by visiting www.tlagay.com/gayshortscontest.

"With thousands or votes, we are thrilled that this contest was a success. There are so many short, gay-themed films made each year, but they can be difficult to find outside of the film festival circuit. We're happy that our users were able to screen these twelve impressive films. We will definitely be holding another contest before the year is through," said Robert O'Neill, TLAgay.com managing editor.

TLA Entertainment offers the very best in home entertainment offering a vast catalog of movies for every type of consumer, from Hollywood hits to quirky Independent cinema to Gay & Lesbian films and the hottest in both Straight and Gay adult entertainment.