Fifth Annual Topanga Film Festival Returns August 6-9, 2009

Record number of short film submissions promises biggest festival yet

TOPANGA CANYON, Calif., May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The critically acclaimed
Topanga Film Festival is receiving a record number of film submissions,
promising to deliver the best showcase of short films in its 5-year history.

This open-air, boutique festival receives entries from around the globe and
showcases a broad range of short films from documentaries, animation, drama,
comedy and experimental. It is unique in its appreciation of thoughtful
content and design, which represents the area's approach to the environment
and community. The program reflects the international and eclectic taste of
its founders who go to great lengths to create an inspiring atmosphere for
filmmakers to present their work.

The festival's highlight is the competition screening on the giant outdoor
screen perched high in the canyon. The audience spreads out on blankets and
beach chairs to watch the sunset to live music, DJs and food/beverage vendors
in anticipation of the evening's program.

"Like its sister festivals, TriBeCa, Sundance and Cannes, Topanga is a true
original, a chance to see great films under the stars in one of the most
magical spots on the continent. A little jewel of a festival," said actor
Wendie Malick, a Topanga resident and prior judge at the festival.

Several workshops, panel discussions and special showcase screenings are
scheduled over the 4 days. Special screenings include, "First Look," a glimpse
at features about to be completed; "High Caliber International Shorts" and
"Best of Topanga," a night of local talent. Because the Topanga community is
celebrated by outdoor enthusiasts, this year's festival will recognize film
achievement in the Action Sports category. The "Action Sports Showcase,"
presented by Abuelita's Mexican Restaurant, will open the festivities on
Thursday night.

While most screenings are outdoors, some VIP events take place at the historic
Mountain Mermaid www.themountainmermaid.com. Originally built as a country
club in 1930, the Mermaid went on to become a casino, brothel and a nightclub
and later on a Tavern and provides the perfect backdrop for this one-of-a-kind
festival.

Because Topanga Canyon is the home to many world famous writers, actors,
filmmakers, musicians and artists, the Festival attracts a sophisticated
audience of renowned artists and entertainment industry veterans. Past
jurors, many of which are Topanga residents, include entertainment industry
pros from behind and in front of the camera including actors Kadeem Hardison
and Wendie Malick and directors / cinematographers Dan Mindel and Randall
Einhorn.

Ticket prices range from $10 for a single event to $50 for a festival pass.
For more information please go to http://topangafilmfestival.com

The Topanga Film Festival is a project of the International Humanities Center,
a 501[c]3 non-profit organization.

SOURCE The Topanga Film Festival

Brendan Flynn, +1-310-455-4700, brendan@topangafilmfestival.com, for The
Topanga Film Festival