Factory 25 Acquires WFMU Doc ‘Sex and Broadcasting’

Factory 25, an independent film distributor and music label stationed in Brooklyn, has picked up all distribution rights to “Sex and Broadcasting: A Film About WFMU,” a documentary about the New Jersey-based WMFU, the country’s longest-running free form radio station, which has been heralded by Rolling Stone, The Village Voice and The New York Times as an essential. The film was helmed by first-time director Tim K. Smith, whose editing credits include “Kevorkian” and “Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope,” along with producer Caitlin Mae Burke, whose previous efforts include “Nuts!” and “Approaching the Elephant.”

During a period in time where there is an oversaturation of streaming services that are owned by much larger and more established companies, “Sex and Broadcasting” highlights a fearless radio station that truly takes a DIY approach to its broadcasting. In other words, WFMU is a breath of fresh air in the midst of the digital age. Many of its DJs are unpaid volunteers, who play essentially everything and are simply in it for the love of authenticity. The team is led by Ken Freedman, WFMU’s station manager, who has dedicated thirty years of his life to preserving the sincerity and independence of the station. However, all of it might soon come to an end.

“Sex and Broadcasting” is a portrayal of how an independent station like WFMU survives (or attempts to) in a fully digitalized climate. It shadows Ken and his team of DJs as they attempt to keep their heads afloat while they raise money for the station’s survival. The question is, will they survive?

The film will celebrate its premiere at the IFC Center on March 30, followed by a series of screenings in cities such as San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle and many more. The distributor has partnered with Sundance Artist Services to release the film on Fandor and Vimeo on March 30, followed by a May 20 release on iTunes, Amazon and On Demand.