Friends and Co-Conspirators,

Here we are, all together again, ready for the 14th iteration of the Traverse City Film Festival — the biggest little film fest this side of the Menominee Iron Range. It’s amazing that we are all here and still full of the same vim and, most importantly, the same vigor we had back when we began all this in 2005.

We bring you this year’s festival (July 31 – August 5) in a time where millions find themselves full of anxiety, stress, despair, and an uncertain trepidation of what lies ahead. So there’s no better time or place than right here, right now, for us to turn to art, to the movies, to find much-needed inspiration, ideas, tears, joy, hope, and a way forward.

My merry band of cinephiles and I are bringing you an amazing array of films that will give you just the jolt you are looking for! Something for everybody! Just Great Movies.

Some points of note:

  • Hockstad Auditorium is back, and we’re rechristening it “The Kubrick” in honor of the great Stanley Kubrick. Plus, we’ve got a fantastic movie at the fest this year about his longtime collaborator.
  • Free Movies for Students! High school and college students eager to experience life-changing cinema can apply to receive FREE tickets to this year’s festivities. Help us spread the word.
  • Great guests! In addition to our previously announced Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Jane Fonda, I’ll be sitting down with Dick Cavett; renowned movie critic film critic, programmer, and lover, Kent Jones, brings us his his award-winning feature narrative debut; and so many of the directors behind the very best films of the year will be here to present their work.
  • The 103 feature films and the filmmakers we’re announcing today are just a start. More announcements to follow!

Take a good look at what’s on offer this year. Try something new. Go where you’re afraid of going. Take a walk on the wild side! I promise you, after a week of stunning movies, you will find yourself exhilarated, illuminated, and ready for the glorious fight ahead!

C’mon! How tough can it be?! We’ve got “Black Panther” in the Open Space! And “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off!”

You can view the entire schedule of movies and events online, or you can download the complete PDF guide. Printed guides will be available at the State, Bijou, in your copy of the Record-Eagle, and all around town starting Friday, July 6.

Tickets go on sale to our Friends of the Film Festival on July 15 and to the general public on July 21.

Enjoy the schedule — and I’ll see you live and in person at the fest!

All My Best,

Michael Moore