By Jay A. Fernandez

The nonprofit Women in Film Foundation’s Film Finishing Fund is in the midst of its annual grant cycle and is accepting submissions until April 30. The fund, now in its 25th year, provides cash grants from $1,000 to $15,000 to support films by, for and about women.

By Jay A. Fernandez

As if “The Hurt Locker” needs any more bad press, along comes a bomb disposal expert threatening to sue the studio and the producers in New Jersey for millions of dollars over the Jeremy Renner character.

According to the lawsuit, along with a claim that he was cheated out of financial participation in the film because the character Will James was based on him, Master Sgt. Jeffrey Sarver claims that he coined the phrase “hurt locker.”

By Jay A. Fernandez

The SXSW Film Festival kicks off next Friday with some high-profile screenings and sneaks — “Kick-Ass,” “MacGruber” and “Predators” among them. But here are a few trailers for some of the lesser-known offerings this year:

By Jay A. Fernandez

Sony Pictures Classics is staying in the Woody Allen business.

The company has picked up North American theatrical rights to Allen’s film “You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger” and plans to release it in the fall. SPC released the Allen films “Whatever Works,” in 2009, and “Sweet and Lowdown,” in 1999.

“I love working with Michael Barker and Tom Bernard,” Allen said, “and I know my films are in good hands with them.”

By Jay A. Fernandez

And now … for some nudity. Or nakedness. Depending on your prurience meter.

By Jay A. Fernandez

With news circulating today that “The Hurt Locker” producer Nicolas Chartier has been banned from the Academy Awards ceremony Sunday for emails he sent violating Oscar rules, my only question is: Are you serious? Come on.

With all the corrupt shenanigans and barely whispered smear campaigns that have polluted the Oscar race in years past, this guy gets expelled for sending an email? To me, this is just another example of how there are two sets of rules in Hollywood: those for money-makers, and those for the rest.

By Jay A. Fernandez

I love this kind of fuel for discussion.

The literature and arts journal Image has compiled a list of the Top 100 films from the ongoing discussions of 44 of the most ardent members of its Arts and Faith online community. And it’s not quite what you’d expect.

By Jay A. Fernandez

According to People.com, multiple Oscar winner Sean Penn recently had this to say about Woody Harrelson, who is up for a best supporting actor Oscar Sunday night:

“‘The Messenger‘ is one of those rare platforms for a familiar American actor to reinvent himself. Woody Harrelson conjures a heart and presence of previously untapped immensity and emotional power. He deserves a BIG nod. He’s done the hardest thing an actor can do. He’s made something new.”

By Jay A. Fernandez

The Writers Guild Foundation will showcase a number of intriguing writers this month as part of its “Anatomy of a Script” series. And more than a few are women, for a change.

March 3 – Vince Gilligan talks about his AMC series “Breaking Bad,” but his resume also includes work on “The X-Files” and the feature “Hancock.” A screening of the “Breaking Bad” pilot will begin at 6 p.m.

March 10 – Callie Khouri talks about her Oscar-winning screenplay for “Thelma & Louise,” with a screening of the Ridley Scott-directed drama beforehand at 5 p.m.

By Jay A. Fernandez and Borys Kit

In another sign that the spec market is exercising its muscle memory, TV writer-producer Justin Adler has sold his original feature comedy script “The Escort” to DreamWorks Studios.

With echoes of “Dutch” and “Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” the road-trip story line involves an irresponsible flight attendant who is forced to escort a 14-year-old passenger to Boston after their plane is grounded.

Tom McNulty (“Date Night”) is producing.