The third Backlot Film Festival is now accepting
submissions for the April 2-April 5 event at the Vets Auditorium.
The festival will open with a tribute to Arthur Freed, the legendary M-G-M producer and songwriter, who wrote “An American In Paris” and “Gigi.”
At the same time, the Arthur Freed Award will be established for “Best Student Film,” in fiction or documentary, with an emphasis on carrying on the tradition of family entertainment.
His History
Memorable films produced by Mr. Freed include “Singing’ In The Rain,” “On the Town,” “Showboat” and “The Clock.”
A prolific songwriter, some of his contemporary classics include “Singin’ In The Rain,” originally
written for “Hollywood Revue of 1929,” “You Were Meant for Me,” from “Broadway Melody,”
and “Good Morning,” first heard in “Babes in Arms.”
Presenting the award will be Mr. Freed’s grandson, Stephen A. Saltzman, president of Arthur Freed
Productions.
Closing night ceremonies will honor theThomas Ince Award winner for outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry. Previous winners include journalist/producer Daniel M. Selznick (“Gone With the Wind:The Making of a Legend”) and writer/producer Budd Schulberg (“A Face In the
Crowd”/“On The Waterfront”).
New Awards
In addition to the Arthur Freed Award, new categories in competition include: “The History of the Entertainment Industry in Southern California.”
This special documentary category can cover any aspect of the entertainment industry, such as motion pictures, music, personalities or technology.
It is open to both long and short form films. Long form qualification is 65 minutes to 180 minutes. Entry fee is $50. Short form qualification is 30 minutes or less, with an entry fee of $35.
Regular entries are open in the following categories:
Fiction Feature Films and Documentaries must run between 65 minutes to 180 minutes, with an entry fee of $50.
The Guidelines
Fiction and Documentary Short Films must be 30 minutes or less, with an entry fee of $35; and Music Videos should be 20 minutes or less, with an entry fee of $25. Student films submission fee is $20.
Last year, first prize went to filmmaker Kenn Scott for “The Adventures of Johnny Tao.” Best Short winner was Drewin B. Young for “The Irish Cowboy,”
Best Documentary was Jack Baric’s “Port Town.” The Midnight Madness winner was “Nightmare Man,” by filmmaker Rolfe Kanefsky.” Jury Favorite was “Death
In El Valle” by C.M. Hardt, “Sakenara,” by Richard Alan Chan took home the People’s Choice Award and Narumol Sriyanond Bartone received the Audience
Recognition Award for her “Thai Women Challenging Aids” documentary.
Deadline for entries is March 1. For venue address, ticket information and submission forms, call 310.204.6920 or log on to www.backlotfilmfestival.com.
Entries should to be mailed to:
Submissions at
The Backlot Film Festival, 10401-106 Venice Blvd., #801. Los Angeles 90234.
