The popular three-day Lakewood Film, Art and Book Fest is set to open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13-15. The festival, called FAB for short, is entering its seventh year and will once again feature popular films, original artwork plus lots of regional authors who will be discussing and autographing their latest books. The really good news is the entire event is once again free to the public.

The opening film Sept. 13 is The Last King of Scotland starring Forest Whitaker as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. Whitaker took home the Academy Award for "Best Male Actor" for his portrayal of Amin. Other films being presented include the magical Midnight in Paris, Brooklyn, a deeply moving film starring Saoirse Ronan, plus the hilarious dark comedy The Death of Stalin. The final film at 7 p.m., Sept. 15, is the classic, fully restored Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman WWII drama Casablanca, considered by many to be the best Hollywood movie of all time!

Event co-chairs Bob Lawrence and Phil Raschke also announced that FAB has added a new element to this year's event. For the first time, an animated film designed to attract a younger audience has been included. The film Ratatouille tells the story of a young rat named Remy who wants to become a Paris chef. The film won both the Academy Award and the Golden Globe for best animated film, and is designed to appeal to children of all ages. The film is rated G and plays at 1 p.m., Sept. 14, with free popcorn for attendees 12 and younger.  

A complete list of films and starting times is available at lakewoodfestival.org. Prior to each film, attendees will be eligible to enter a free drawing for RAM and Applebee's gift cards.

Also, special guest at the art exhibit will be noted Puyallup watercolor artist Ron Snowden. Snowden will be demonstrating his unique creative techniques at a special table on all three days of the event. 

And rock/blues legend Lee Oskar of "Low Rider," War fame is generously donating several reproductions of his original artwork from his "Dreams We Share" collection. Proceeds from their sale will be donated to the FAB committee. Speaking of musicians, classically trained flutist Jeannie Hill is also set to perform at 3:45 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and at 4 p.m., Sunday. Hill is a founding member of the Northwest Sinfonietta.

Another special guest will be local TV personality and author Dorothy Wilhelm. Wilhelm will take the stage and present her special brand of local humor at 3:30 p.m., Sunday. She will also be available during the day to swap tales and autograph her latest book True Tales of Puget Sound.

Other confirmed authors who will be present include Lakewood's very own Susan Bacon, author of the novel Haunted Homes, plus authors Joan Brown, Peter Stockwell, Denise Frisino and many more.

Doors open at noon on all three days, and a concession stand with freshly popped popcorn, candy and soft drinks will be available. Admission and parking are free for all attendees. Seating for movies and other areas is on a first-come basis. The last film showing starts at 7 p.m., author signings end at 6 p.m. 

Lakewood Film, Art and Book Fest, Friday-Sunday, Sept. 13-15, The McGavick Center, Bldg. 23, Clover Park Technical College, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Free, lakewoodfestival.org