“Blue Film,” a sexual drama about a fetish con man who spends a night with an anonymous client, has been acquired by Obscure Releasing. Although the film received critical acclaim, it was so controversial that several major film festivals, including Sundance and SXSW, passed on adding it to their lineups. It ultimately had its world premiere at the 2025 Edinburgh International Film Festival, followed by its North American premiere at Newfest this fall.
Obscured is a new distribution company launched by veteran indie publicist RJ Millard and former Gravitas acquisition executive Bill Guentzler. Blue Film was written and directed by Elliott Tuttle. It will be released in theaters in May this year.
“We’re excited to partner with Obscure Releasing for the theatrical release of ‘Blue Film.’ Their passion and commitment to extending the longevity of our films made this an easy choice,” said Tuttle. “Many people were scared, but the Obscure was not.”
Kieron Moore (“Boots”) stars as Aaron Eagle, a con man who discovers that an older client (Reid Bernie of “The Menu”) has a shady past. The film was screened at the Outshine Film Festival, Philadelphia International Film Festival, Montclair Film Festival, and more. Blue Film was produced by Bijan Kazeroni, Will Youmans, Adam Kirsch and Waylon Saul, with Mark Duplass serving as consulting producer and Bernie and Eric Kohn serving as executive producers.
“Elliott’s accomplishment in telling the story of two men’s sexuality and how their connection shaped their future is as shocking as it is humane,” Millard and Gentzler said in a statement. “He’s asking questions that no American filmmaker has dared to ask in decades. We’re thrilled to bring ‘Blue Film’ to theaters.”
The deal was negotiated by Matt Burke of Submarine Entertainment on behalf of the filmmakers and O’Brien Kelly of The Kelly Firm on behalf of Obscure Releasing.
