Join visiting filmmakers and guests from Hollywood, New York, and abroad as they share their best movie stories, mixing it up with each other and the audience, because as everyone knows, what happens in Traverse City, stays in Traverse City. NEW IN 2017: Panels are on the move. Check the schedule for locations and times. Panel topics and panelists are subject to change.
Meet the TCFF Moderators.
Watch the Panels online thanks to our friends at UpNorth Media Center Channel 189!
2017 Panel Schedule
Tuesday BONUS!
MICHIGAN FILM OFFICE ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING
Participate in the part of your government that is set up to support the art of filmmaking by attending the public meeting held bi-monthly by the Governor’s Michigan Film Office Advisory Council, right here in TC. Hear the latest news about the film industry in our fair state. The audience is encouraged to bring questions and ideas.
TUE 1 PM HOLIDAY INN, WEST BAY BEACH
Wednesday
ONE GREAT MOVIELOVER CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
“Movies touch our hearts, and awaken our vision, and change the way we see things,” Martin Scorsese said. But does a movie actually have the power to instigate real political change? Filmmakers and subjects from “I Am Evidence,” “A River Below,” and other TCFF 2017 films will talk about the ways the subjects in their movies changed the world, and the way their movies have in turn changed them and their audiences. Hosted by Ira Deutchman, one of the world’s bestknown producers, distributors, and marketers of independent films.
WED 9:30 AM KIRKBRIDE AT THE COMMONS
Thursday
In times when universally agreed upon facts become “fake news,” one important antidote is a huge dose of nonfiction. In our annual doc panel, filmmakers discuss the trials, tribulations, rewards, and consequences of creating their art, shining light on important and often controversial subjects, bringing truth to the people. Hosted by Thom Powers, documentary programmer for the Toronto International Film Festival.
THU 9:30 AM KIRKBRIDE AT THE COMMONS
Friday
There’s almost no pain a good belly laugh can’t ease, so join us for an evening with our most entertaining filmmakers and guests wisecracking about their films, their careers, the funny business of making comedy, and hilarious tangents that happen to run through their heads. Featuring Samm Levine (“Freaks and Geeks”), comedian Sean Jordan, Gilbert Gottfried (“Gilbert”), and funny filmmakers—and hosted by TCFF fan-favorite Doug Benson, who is VERY excited he no longer has to host the comedy panel at 9:30 am—our ever-popular panel on all things funny will deliver a healthy dose of the best medicine.
FRI 6 PM OLD TOWN PLAYHOUSE
Saturday
The fight for basic water rights continues in Standing Rock over the Dakota Access Pipeline, and in Flint, where rampant water contamination plagues an entire community. Underlying these battles are profound questions of democracy—who controls policy in the US: corporations or citizens? Representatives from Flint, director James Spione and subjects from “Awake, A Dream from Standing Rock,” and members of the GT Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians will tackle these tough questions.
SAT 12 NOON MILLIKEN AUDITORIUM
Sunday
Legendary film critic Leonard Maltin and his daughter Jessie love talking movies with people who share their enthusiasm. Meet some interesting TCFF guests and hear Leonard and Jessie’s recommendations on unsung movies you ought to know about when they do their popular Nerdist podcast live from Traverse City.
SUN 9:30 AM OLD TOWN PLAYHOUSE
