TheLos Angeles branch of Women In Film has teamed up with General MotorsCorporation to launch the Women In Film/General Motors Latina New Filmmakergrant, designed to support upcoming Latina filmmakers by providing them withaccess to key industry personnel and female mentors.

Thegrant will be awarded to five women selected from an application process.

Winners will receive complimentarypasses to both the Bi-Annual International Summit of Women In Film in LosAngeles, which runs from Oct 29-Nov 1, and at the American Film Market, whichruns in Santa Monica from Nov 2-4.

Theywill meet with a panel of studio executives and distributors as well as salesagents to discuss the shape of the industry.

"Thenew Latina filmmakers we've talked to, and whose work we've seen, have anenormous amount of talent and creativity," Judith James, chairperson of theWomen In Film/General Motors national committee, said in a statement.

"Theytell us that they simply need to better understand the mechanics of getting afilm into production and distribution.These grants will help talentedwomen become successes in the entertainment industry."

Winnerswill be notified by May 23 and announced at the Women In Film Crystal/LucyAwards on Jun 10 in Los Angeles.

The Women In Film andGeneral Motors Corporation initiative was created to expand programmesupporting women in the entertainment industry.