Frequently Asked Questions

FESTIVAL TIMELINE

Mid June: Festival schedule and program announcement
Mid June: Volunteer Signups begin
July 3: Tickets on sale for Sponsors
July 10: Tickets on sale for Friends of the Festival
July 17: Tickets on sale for the public
July 23: “Friends Day” Screenings for Friends of the Festival
July 24: Founders Day Party
July 26: Opening Night of the Festival!
July 26-31: Traverse City Film Festival


COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Thank you for reaching out! We are monitoring the situation closely, and in response we have just ordered 10,000 masks to have on hand for patrons who forget to bring their own. Masks will be highly encouraged for everyone inside the theater (except while actively eating concessions), and all of our volunteers and staff will be masked as well.

The State and Bijou upgraded their air filtration systems before reopening in November (you can read their full policy here), and the AMC Cherry Blossom follows the AMC Safe & Clean protocols, which includes HVAC and frequent cleaning in the theaters.

We expect patrons to monitor their health before coming to the movies. We will refund tickets for those who call or email us in advance to let us know they are unable to attend due to COVID exposure (though we hope you might consider giving the tickets to a friend instead!).

GETTING AROUND

Free 2022 Traverse City Film Festival Bayline Shuttle

You can ride the free BATA Bayline shuttle between the Downtown Theaters (State and Bijou) and the AMC Cherry Blossom Theater. Park your car at a Park and Ride lot and eliminate the need to park downtown or move your car from one venue to another. Shuttles are ADA accessible and air-conditioned.

 

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.


I’d like to help. How can I get involved? Volunteers are the foundation of the Traverse City Film Festival. You can learn more here.

Can I contribute to the festival in other ways? Yes! Sponsorships are available in at a variety of levels and benefits. Friends memberships also support the festival in a big way and Friends receive great perks like early ticketing and access to our Friends Only Screening Parties.


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


Where are the festival movies shown? The festival screens movies in Downtown Traverse City at several venues. This year, movies will be shown in the State Theatre, Bijou by the Bay, the AMC Cherry Blossom and the Open Space Outdoor Cinema on the waterfront.


How do I submit a film? The Traverse City Film Festival is by invitation only, but we’d love to see your films and suggestions. Filmmakers may submit films unofficially by emailing a screener to info@tcff.org, and they will be passed on to the programmer. There is no submission fee, and also no feedback mechanism — we cannot guarantee that your film will be viewed.


How can I get tickets? Tickets can be purchased both online and at the main box office in advance of the festival. And during the festival, tickets are also available at each individual indoor venue. Tickets will go on sale for Friends of the Festival on July 10 and for the general public on July 17.


How is the festival financially supported? The festival is funded by local and national businesses, community groups, and individuals. Sponsors are needed for each venue, film, filmmaker, and event. If you would like to contribute, please contact Development Director Terry Carrithers at terry@tcff.org. The Traverse City Film Festival is a 501(c)3  non-profit organization with tax-exempt status.


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 a giant inflatable screen. No admission is charged. Seating is general admission, so be sure to bring chairs and blankets.


Are dogs allowed at the Open Space movies? Dogs are not allowed at the Open Space Outdoor Cinema. While we encourage you to bring blankets, chairs, and coolers, please leave your four-legged friends at home.


What other programming is at the festival beside films? We have a robust music scene at the festival including performances before many screenings, at parties, and more. Visitors can enjoy our free industry panels, enjoy our kids fest, attend official festival parties and after parties.


I’m a musician. How can I become one of your performers? Awesome! Email us at info@tcff.org!


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”), actor Jeff Daniels (“The Newsroom”), actress Christine Lahti (“Chicago Hope”), producer Rod Birleson (“Capitalism: A Love Story”), musician Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), and filmmaker Mark Cousins (“The Story of Film: An Odyssey”).


Are there any year-round festival activities? The Traverse City Film Festival operates two year-round movie houses, the historic State Theatre, and the Bijou by Bay, in downtown Traverse City. Visit the State and Bijou website for complete information and a schedule of upcoming screenings.


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 and via email at info@tcff.org