‘Canned Film Fest’ Aids Homeless

“The Sidewalk Motel,” a short feature that deals with the homeless, will screen for four consecutive Sundays--beginning this Sunday--at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills. Admission to the “Canned Film Festival”: a can of food.

Rob Stone, known to TV viewers as Kevin Owens on the ABC sitcom “Mr. Belvedere,” wrote and directed the film, which stars Christopher Hewett. Hewett, who plays the title role in “Belvedere,” plays a Briton who briefly winds up among Los Angeles’ homeless.

Filmed during eight days last summer in downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood, “The Sidewalk Motel,” was shot under a Screen Actors Guild experimental letter agreement that is designed to help new directors with non-commercial projects. Stone, who previously made the 8-minute, 16-millimeter short “Recess,” made the 35-millimeter “Sidewalk Motel” with donated film and equipment and a cast and crew who contributed their time. (Bruce Springsteen also donated his version of the Woody Guthrie song “Ain’t Got No Home.”)

The donated canned food will be given to organizations that benefit homeless families and children. Screenings are at 12:30 p.m. The Fine Arts Theater is at 8556 Wilshire Blvd. Information: (213) 462-4206.