There is a lot of information about attending the TCFF floating around, and we are here to quash all of those rumors! Here are 10 things we have heard about the festival that are NOT true! Read more to learn about how to navigate the festival from insider experts.
Myth #1 : Everything is sold out when tickets go on sale to the public
Not True!
All of the Friends of the Festival do get early access to tickets, and some screenings do sell out during this time, but it’s very rare for a film to be completely unavailable across screenings. Additionally, after our tickets go on sale, we announce extra screenings of some of the most popular films. Click here for a list of high-demand 2018 movies that have available tickets!
Myth #2 : There is no quality food at TCFF
Not True!
TCFF is dedicated to pairing #JustGreatFood with its #JustGreatMovies. To do so, we partnered with Sugar to Salt (S2S) Catering Company to provide healthy, convenient snacks at each screening. Options range from sandwiches, to trail mix granola bars, to baked goods!
Plus, the TCFF is a certified local food event, which means that more than 20% of the food served is locally sourced. In 2017, more than 30% of the food served was locally sourced, and we hope to beat that in 2018! Many local chefs will also be featured in our Food on Film events.
Myth #3 : Michael Moore owns the festival
Not True!
Michael Moore is our founder, programmer, and the very first TCFF volunteer. He receives no compensation from the festival. TCFF is a nonprofit organization that is run by a board of directors. Read more about our staff and board of directors here.
Myth #4 : It’s difficult to move around the festival and the traffic is bad
Not True!
TCFF has a brand new transportation system this year — the BATA Bayline! Busses will arrive approximately every 15 minutes, and will stop at locations all over town – including many hotels. Also, there is free parking available in a few lots, and BATA will pick you up right from the lot and take you to both our Downtown and East Campus venues! Plus, once you’re Downtown, our venues are all very walkable. Or #biketcff to move around with ease.
Myth #5 : Students can never see any films because the prices don’t fit in a student budget
Not True!
We want all patrons to able to enjoy the festival, including the next generation of filmgoers. But we know students nowadays are on a very tight budget. Introducing TCFF Student U, the program to encourage students to enjoy the TCFF as much as everyone else. TCFF Student U gives high school and college students the chance to apply for 10 FREE tickets using their valid school ID’s. These ticket vouchers can be used to gain admission to any available screenings, or in the standby line. Applications for 2018 are currently closed. Be sure to apply next year!
Myth #6 : The only time to interact with filmmakers is at panels
Not True!
Many of our film screenings have special filmmaker guests who will do Q&A’s following the screening. These sessions can also continue past their set times through our ‘Continuing the Conversation’ program. Click here to see which guests will be attending which screenings!
Also, tickets to the filmmaker party are available for purchase. All of our filmmakers are invited to share in great food and fun company, and everyone is invited to help make the event extra special!
Plus, all of our panels are FREE, and Film School is a great way to learn tips and tricks from our guests!
Myth #7 : Once a film is sold out, there is no chance of getting in
Not True!
Many of our screenings do sell out. We do, however, have two screenings of almost every movie, so there are usually tickets available to at least one of the screenings. Check out which films are still available here, and read about the screenings we added for 2018 here.
Also, even if the screening is sold out, you can wait in the Standby line and, if there are open seats, you will be admitted to the screening. (Pro tip: If you buy a voucher (good for the 2019 and 2020 festival, you get to go ahead of non-voucher holders in the stand by line). Standby lines form approximately an hour before each show.
Myth #8 : There’s nothing for kids to do at the festival
Not True!
The TCFF is of everyone, even those budding cinephiles that you are raising. To entertain our younger crowd, we plan a fun, interactive event called Kids Fest. From Wednesday, August 1st to Saturday, August 4th we have 9 am $1 kids movies from around the world and then from 11 am to 2 pm, kids can hang out and play games and do activities aplenty at our FREE Lawn Party. Find out about each day’s events here.
Plus, there’s our family-friendly Closing Night Bash at the Open Space before Sunday, August 5th’s screening of “Coco.”
Myth #9 : Nothing at the TCFF is free
Not True!
We love free events as much as you do. There are plenty of things at the TCFF that are free for all of you looking for a fun time without having to empty your wallet. All of the movies at the Open Space are free, which play each night at dusk in the Open Space by the bay. Additionally, the Closing Night Bash, The Woz, student screenings (ie Shorts by U-M Students), all the panels, and Movies on Tap are all free events!
Myth #10 : The parties are only for TCFF staff and filmmakers
Not True!
We do offer specific parties for volunteers, sponsors, and Friends, which are only available to those respective groups. The Filmmaker Party, the Closing Night Bash, and the Opening Night Party are all available to the public! Tickets to these parties are available for purchase, and the closing night party is FREE. Also, our Movies on Tap program offers official filmmaker bar nights where TCFF filmmakers and fanatics can mingle at local Traverse City bars. Entrance to Movies on Tap is also free! Read more about parties and ticket prices here.
