Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to Open Traverse City Film Festival

Governor Will Bestow First Michigan Filmmaker Award

Traverse City, MI (July 20, 2006) - Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm will cut the ribbon and kick off the week-long, second annual Traverse City Film Festival on July 31st in front of the festival's headquarters at the historic State Theatre in downtown Traverse City, Michigan.

Attending the ceremonies will be the festival's founder and artistic director, the Oscar-winning director Michael Moore, along with state legislative officials from both parties including State Representative Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Bellaire) and local community leaders.

The highlight at the event, scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m., will be the presentation of the first Michigan Filmmaker Award to actor and director Jeff Daniels. The Award has been established by the Traverse City Film Festival to recognize the significant contributions to the art of cinema made by people from Michigan.

"We couldn't think of a better person to give our first award to," said Moore. "Jeff is not only one of the best American actors working today, he is also an exceptional independent filmmaker who has chosen to reside here in Michigan. We are honored to have him attend our festival and accept this award."

Daniels will also attend the opening night film and party and participate in a panel of filmmakers on Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the City Opera House.

The festival has received wide support throughout the state of Michigan and the Governor's appearance is especially appreciated.

"She told us last year how proud she was of the success of our first festival," said Moore. "She has often spoken about how the economic impact of a festival such as ours can bring much needed income and jobs to the area. And, of course, she is a big supporter of the arts."

Moore points out that what makes this opening ceremony unique is the true bi-partisan nature of it.

"When it comes to the movies, partisan politics play no part. We have Republicans and Democrats working side by side to make this festival what it is. I truly believe that our success is the result of this spirit of unity, all in the interests of doing what is best for the community and for the cinema."

About the Traverse City Film Festival

The Traverse City Film Festival is a charitable, educational, non-profit organization committed to showing "Just Great Movies" and helping to save one of America's few indigenous art forms - the cinema. In its second year, the Traverse City Film Festival has already become one of the biggest film festivals in the Midwest. With its 50,000 admissions in summer 2005, the festival pumped an estimated 5 million dollars into the local economy. Founded by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Michael Moore and co-founders, local photographer John Robert Williams and New York Times best selling author Doug Stanton, the festival brings films and filmmakers from around the world to northern Michigan, creating a level of excitement one local paper said was "the best thing to happen here since the Ice Age left us Lake Michigan."