March 29, 2024

Tastemakers: 2009 Film Festival Parties

July 19, 2009
2009 Film
Festival Parties
7/20/09

While the movies take center stage at the upcoming Traverse City Film Festival (TCFF), the parties are the center of the social scene. Since its inception five years ago, the TCFF has hosted a Founders Party, Opening Night Party and a Closing Night Party. Each year since, they have added something new to the mix. For example, the Friends of the Film Festival Potluck Party (Saturday, July 25) was added a couple of years ago, and this year they have added the Filmmakers Party (Saturday, August 1).
These parties are well attended with some drawing close to 1,000 people. At the heart of each party are the many “local” offerings, from food provided by area eateries to wines from the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsula as well as local entertainment. Last year’s Opening Night Party turned into a dance party and it went over so well that the Closing Night Party continued the theme.
Festival organizers created the parties for filmgoers to “rub shoulders” with the filmmakers and those who star in the films. For the most part, the “celebrity” guests to town have obliged and attended the various parties. Impromptu parties have also popped up each year at local clubs and eateries and those interested just need to ask around. Here is a listing of parties open to the public:

Friends of the Film Festival Potluck Party
Saturday, July 25, 2009 | 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Historic Front Lawn at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons (Building 50 behind Munson Medical Center)

Join the festival’s board of directors in a potluck picnic exclusively for Friends of the Film Festival and their families. Celebrate pre-festival weekend with other Friends, live music, and fun.
Sponsored by: the Friends of the Traverse City Film Festival

Opening Night Party
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 | 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Wade-Trim Parking Lot, Front Street and Park, downtown, Rain or Shine

Join Michael Moore and the board of directors in welcoming filmmakers from around the world. Be the first to “rub shoulders” with the people who make the movies and who have brought a bit of Hollywood to Northern Michigan. The outdoor space on Park Street is transformed into a summer garden for the evening. Join us for a film celebration, dance to some great music, and enjoy fabulous local food. Tickets are $50. 2009 Friends of the Film Festival get 50 percent off party tickets.

Filmmakers Party
Saturday, August 1, 2009 | 8 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Wade-Trim Parking Lot, Front Street and Park, downtown.

Visiting filmmakers and Friends will celebrate the fifth anniversary downtown on Saturday night. Actor/comedian Jeff Garlin will be on hand to award prizes for best costume in the TCFF5k run. Tickets are $50. 2009 Friends of the Film Festival and runners in the TCFF One Mile and 5k Fun Run get 50 percent off $50 party tickets.

Closing Night Party
Sunday, August 2, 2009 | 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Historic Front Lawn at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons (Building 50, behind Munson Medical Center)
Sponsored by Northwestern Bank
Celebrate the last night of the Film Festival with a night of music, wine, beer, and food from the area’s top restaurants, while recapping the week’s highlights and surprises. The Friends of the Film Festival Grand Prize Drawing will also be held during the party. Tickets are $50. 2009 Friends of the Film Festival get 50 percent off party tickets.
To purchase advance tickets (parties sell out) check out traversefilmfest.org. ---Rick Coates

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