HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — TLA Releasing has nabbed distribution rights for “Leave It to Levi,” the acclaimed documentary that chronicles over six years in the life of CockyBoys marquee star Levi Karter.
Karter was an XBIZ Awards nominee as Gay Performer of the Year in 2018 and ’19.
Directed by Cockyboys’ Jake Jaxson using “a mix of home videos, studio outtakes and new footage,” a rep notes, the film follows Karter’s life from “fresh-faced teenager to 25-year-old industry veteran to drag performer.”
The title made its world premiere at the Guadalajara International Film Festival earlier this year and went on to screen at the Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival over the summer.
TLA Releasing will screen “Leave It to Levi” at the Montalban Theatre in Hollywood on Thursday, January 9, at part of the inaugural Str8UpGay Summit.
Steve Shea, director of U.S. Sales for TLA Releasing, enthused about the doc, which he described as “important, fun and sexy.”
“Our entire staff is thrilled to help bring this movie to the world. Besides the film, our release will feature a bunch of cool extras fans will really like,” he said. “We're certain that after seeing 'Leave it to Levi', you'll be entertained, moved and will never forget it."
Jaxson related to the project on a deeply personal level.
"Over the last six years, It has been a true honor to document this story of Luke-Levi-Sassy,” he said, “as both a porn and drag performer, and how both affected and enlightened his relationship with his adopted mom, Anne.”
As an adopted child himself, Jaxson notes his own relationship with his family was “damaged” by his work.
“Making this film, and being a witness to the unflinching love of Luke and Anne, opened my eyes to a new way of understanding and accepting, myself, my family and all the brave young men we work with every day,” he said.
TLA Releasing will street the DVD will January 28; the film will also be available on Dekkoo.com, a streaming platform curated for gay men.
Dekkoo is running a promo tied to the film; the promo code “LEVI” unlocks a 50 percent discount for a one-month membership. The Dekkoo app is also available from most major services.
RSVP for the Str8UpGay Summit screening at rsvp@cockyboys.com. Those who purchase a ticket to summit's fan conference on Saturday, January 11, will also receive a free ticket to the screening. Click here for additional details.
Follow TLA Releasing, Karter and Jaxson on Twitter for the latest updates.
