Ray Murray: The Architect of Philadelphia’s Independent Cinema Scene

Ray Murray’s career is defined by his transformation of a historic Philadelphia theater into a global brand for independent and LGBTQ+ cinema. Beginning as a projectionist in 1972, Murray eventually co-founded TLA Entertainment Group in 1981, leading the company through the eras of repertory cinema, the home video boom, and digital distribution.

The Foundation of TLA (1981–1987)
In 1981, Ray Murray, alongside former colleagues Claire Brown Kohler, Eric Moore, and others, founded Repertory Cinema, Inc. (which became TLA Entertainment Group) to purchase the Theater of the Living Arts on South Street in Philadelphia. Under their management, the TLA operated as a leading repertory art cinema, showing classic, foreign, and controversial films. To manage costs during this period, the team would often travel round-trip to New York City just to exchange film reels. In 1983, the group expanded by opening the Roxy Screening Rooms, a twin art house cinema.

Pivot to Home Video and Niche Markets (1985–2000)
As the rise of VHS and cable television began to impact theater attendance, Murray strategically shifted the company’s focus:

Retail Expansion: In 1985, the first TLA Video store opened next to the theater. This eventually grew into a boutique chain with four locations in Philadelphia and one in New York City.

Mail-Order and Online: TLA developed a successful mail-order catalog and launched tlavideo.com in 1996, specializing in American independent, international, and LGBTQ+ films.

Literary Contributions: In 1994, Murray authored “Images in the Dark: An Encyclopedia of Gay and Lesbian Images,” establishing himself as an expert in queer cinema.

Film Festivals and Distribution (1994–2014)
Murray became a central figure in Philadelphia’s film culture by founding and directing major events:
QFest: Originally the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Murray founded the event in 1994 and served as its Executive Director until 2014.

Philadelphia Film Festival: He founded the Philadelphia Film Society and served as the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Film Festival from 2001 to 2010.

TLA Releasing: In 2000, Murray launched this distribution arm to acquire rights for independent and gay-themed films in the US and UK. He noted that filmmakers at international festivals frequently approached him for help reaching the American video market.

Later Ventures and Current Status
The landscape of the industry changed significantly with the advent of Video on Demand (VOD). TLA began closing its retail locations between 2007 and 2012, with the final Bryn Mawr store closing in October 2012. Murray sold TLA Entertainment Group to Sterling Genesis International in 2014.

Following the sale, Murray continued his work in film:

Artsploitation Films: He founded and served as President of this genre-specialty label from 2013/2014 until 2021.

Cinephobia Releasing: In 2021, Murray started this new releasing company, continuing his career-long dedication to niche and international cinema. Most recently, in December 2025, Cinephobia Releasing acquired the North American rights to the LGBTQ+ dramedy The Divine Tragedy.