reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com

The third Backlot Film Festival is now accepting submissions for the 2008 festival to be held April 2 through April 5 at Veteran's Memorial Auditorium in Culver City, California.

This years' festival will open with a tribute to legendary M-G-M producer and songwriter Arthur Freed ("An American In Paris"/ "Gigi") and establish the Arthur Freed Award for ‘Best Student Film,' in fiction or documentary, with an emphasis on carrying on the tradition of family entertainment. Memorable films produced by 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 Freed's grandson, Stephen A. Saltzman, president of Arthur Freed Productions.

Closing night ceremonies will honor this years' Thomas 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").

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 $50.00. Short form qualification is 30 minutes or less, with an entry fee of $35.00.

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 $50.00.
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 $25.00. Student films submission fee is $20.00.

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, 2008. 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 Boulevard, #801. Los Angeles, CA 90234.