Backlot Film Festival kicks off: oldies but goodies

BACKLOT FILM FESTIVAL
THE GOLDEN AGE OF AMERICAN MOVIES
A TRIBUTE TO THE CLASSIC FILMS OF 1939 SHOWN IN 35 MILLIMETER DECEMBER 16TH THROUGH DECEMBER 19TH AWARDS BANQUET, DECEMBER 15th HONORING DANIEL M. SELZNICK. WEST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE

The Backlot Film Festival is pleased to announce The Golden Age of American Movies, a tribute to the classic films of 1939, honoring 65 years of extraordinary achievement in film. Some of the blockbusters, shown in 35-millimeter format, include GONE WITH THE WIND, THE WIZARD OF OZ, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME and ANDY HARDY GETS SPRING FEVER. The event will take place, December 16th through 19th at West Los Angeles College in the Fine Arts Theater, located at 9000 Overland Avenue, in Culver City, California 90230. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for students and seniors. Complete passes are available at $100.00 for adults or $75.00 for students and seniors for all fifteen films. For reservations, full schedule and screening times call 310/204-6920 or log on to www.backlotfilmfestival.com.

The Backlot Film Festival kicks off with an Awards Banquet, Wednesday, December 15th, honoring Daniel M. Selznick, son of David O. Selznick and grandson of Louis B. Mayer, with the Thomas Ince Award for excellence in filmmaking. Mr. Selznick, who resides in New York City, is a motion picture, television and stage producer, playwright and journalist. The Thomas Ince Award was named in honor of the famed producer who built what became M-G-M and the Culver Studios, adjacent to the West Los Angeles campus. The event will be held at the College’s Library Terrace on the 4th floor, beginning at 5:30pm with a cocktail reception, dinner at 6:30pm, followed by the award presentation. Tickets are $50.00 per person. Call 310/204-6920 or log on to www.backlotfilmfestival.com

On Thursday, December 16th at 5:30pm the festival opens with GONE WITH THE WIND and a special guest appearance by award-winner Daniel Selznick, prior to the screening of the 35mm print. Additional guests include Edgar Goff, grandnephew of Hattie McDaniel; Ray Moselle (fireman on duty for the ‘Atlanta Fire Sequence’); photographic curator Rodney Gottlieb and Ann Rutherford, who portrayed Scarlett’s younger sister.

Founder of the Backlot Film Festival is filmmaker Ross Hawkins. Honorary Committee includes Judy Cameron, author of The Art of Gone With the Wind, Scott Eyman, author of John Ford-Print the Legend and Lion of Hollywood, actress Nanette Fabray, Steve Gourley, former Mayor of Culver City, Syd Kronenthal, retired Director of Culver City Human Services, Richard May, Vice President of Time Warner’s Film Preservation, Roger Mayer, President of Turner Entertainment Company, entertainers Mickey and Jan Rooney, Marvin Paige, Head of Marvin Paige Casting and President of the Motion Pictures and Television Archive, Frank Quiambao, President of West Los Angeles College, actress Ann Rutherford and Marc Wanamaker, President of the Bison Archives.

The banquet, Wednesday, December 15th, is sponsored and catered by Jay Handel, owner of the San Gennaro Restaurants. Additional sponsors include Alliance Bank, Damian Gerrard Curran & Associates, Jackson Market, RG Photo Retouching, San Gennaro Cafe and the West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.

Movie memorabilia will be sold and on display in the lobby along with rare photos from the Fred Parrish Collection and rarely seen behind-the scene photos of the era.

Friday, December 17th slate begins at 10am and includes WUTHERING HEIGHTS, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, and two classic films directed by John Ford starring Henry Fonda. Special guest is Scott Eyman, author of John Ford-Print the Legend.

Saturday, December 18th beginning at 11am, features THE WIZARD OF OZ, ANDY HARDY GETS SPRING FEVER, selected OUR GANG COMEDIES, directed by George Sidney, the World Premiere of CULVER CITY COWBOYS, and a series of shorts by students of West Los Angeles College, supervised by Professor John Jordan, Chairman of the Communication Entertainment Media Arts Division. Special guests include Corinne Sidney (widow of George Sidney), Caren Marsh (Judy Garland’s double) Jerry Marin (Our Gang member and ‘The Lollipop Kid’), Albert Sapperoff, Victor Fischer, Efrem Violin and Paul and Mickey Pitti (western stunt performers who are featured in the world premiere documentary).

Sunday, December 19th shows begin at 11am and include Laurel and Hardy’s FLYING DEUCES, HUCKLEBERRY FINN, STAGE COACH, and THE PRIVATE LIVES OF ELIZABETH AND ESSEX. Special guests include actress Nanette Fabray, Bob Sattersfeld (President of Sons of the Desert) and Chuck McCann (official Oliver Hardy impersonator).

Screening times for Friday, Saturday and Sunday may change due to guest speaker availability. Check exact lineup for screening times at 310/204-6920 or log on to www.backlotfilmfestival.com

DIRECTIONS: The Fine Arts Theater of West Los Angeles College is located at the top of Albert Vera Drive, across the street from Parking Lot 8. Albert Vera Drive is the second street running southeast off Freshman Drive, the main entrance to the campus.

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For additional information contact:
Marcia N. Groff 310/855-0498
Entertainment Enterprises
656 West Knoll Drive, Ste. 104
West Hollywood, CA 90069