When is the 2013 Traverse City Film Festival?
The ninth annual festival will be held July 30-August 4, 2013

What are the dates of the upcoming festivals?
Tentative dates are:
2014: July 29-August 3
2015: July 28-August 2
2016: July 26-31

What are some statistics associated with last year’s festival?
The seventh annual Traverse City Film Festival featured 156 screenings of 88 films and 59 shorts from every continent with the exception of Antartica, with over 128,000 admissions. The films were represented by 130 industry guests. The festival also included five free industry film panels and six free outdoor movies on the bay. The newly added Kids Fest was a big hit and the renovation of Lars Hockstad Auditorium guaranteed happy and comfortable patrons!

Where is Traverse City?
Traverse City is located in the northwest corner of Michigan’s lower peninsula in the resort region on Grand Traverse Bay.

How do I submit a film?
We do not accept official feature or short film submissions. The Traverse City Film Festival is by invitation only. Filmmakers may submit their films unofficially and they will be passed on to the programmer. There is no submission form or fee, no feedback mechanism, and no guarantee that the film will be viewed. Filmmakers who wish to submit their films under these conditions may mail a copy on DVD to TCFF, PO Box 4064, Traverse City MI 49685. Review copies will not be returned.

I’d like to help. How can I get involved?
Volunteers are the foundation of the Traverse City Film Festival. Sign up online now by filling out an application for the 2012 festival. Leadership positions are available.

How can I stay informed about the festival all year round?
Patrons can sign up to receive festival news alerts by email.

Where are the festival movies shown?
The festival screens movies in downtown Traverse City at seven venues: the State Theatre, Old Town Playhouse, Lars Hockstad Auditorium, City Opera House, Milliken Auditorium, Dutmers Theatre and the Open Space Park on the waterfront.

How can I learn more about filmmaking?
In 2012, the Traverse City Film Festival will feature its fourth annual film school, with classes held Wednesday through Saturday, twice daily. Classes, held at Scholar’s Hall at Northwestern Michigan College, and are taught by industry experts.

Are there any free movies at the festival?
Each night of the festival, classic films are shown on the waterfront in the city’s Open Space Park on giant inflatable screen. No admission is charged. Seating is general admission, be sure to bring chairs and blankets. For more information about how to attend the festival on a budget, click here.

How is the festival financially supported?
The festival is funded by local and national businesses, community groups and individuals. Sponsors are needed for each theater, film, and filmmaker. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at (231) 392-1134. The Traverse City Film Festival is a non-profit organization with tax-exempt status.

Who created the festival?
The Traverse City Film Festival was founded by Oscar-winning filmmaker Michael Moore in collaboration with photographer John Robert Williams and author Doug Stanton. Festival board members include filmmakers Larry Charles (“Borat”), Terry George (“Hotel Rwanda”), Sabina Guzzanti (“Viva Zapatero!”), actress Christine Lahti (“Lieberman in Love”), producer Rod Birelson (“Capitalism: A Love Story”) and co-founder John Robert Williams.

If I have more questions, how can I contact someone at the festival?
We can be reached by phone at the festival office at (231) 392-1134, via email at info@traversecityfilmfestival.org or via mail at: PO Box 4064, Traverse City, MI 49685.

Are there any year-round festival activities?
The Traverse City Film Festival operates a year-round art house, the historic State Theatre in downtown Traverse City. Visit the State Theatre web site for complete information about the State.