SICKO aims to fix what ails America

June 6, 2007

Filmmaker Michael Moore has a busy summer planned. He just got back from Cannes where his film “Sicko” was a big hit. But the Bellaire resident has no plans to sit back this summer and soak up the sun while raking in what should be a lot of clams from his movie.
He has made provisions for the Antrim County Democrats to premiere “Sicko” as a fundraiser for their organization on June 16. Then he jets off to New York for the North American premiere of the film. He will have plenty of media requests over the next several weeks to tend to. Then there is the Traverse City Film Festival the first week of August that he oversees. The Festival has taken over the State Theatre on Front Street with major renovation plans and a year round usage of the theater to plan for.
If all of that is not enough, Hollywood insiders are reporting that Moore is in post-production of his documentary “Uprising” that highlights a recent 60-city college tour he made, and takes a look at the younger political generation. Those same insiders are reporting that he is in production on “Fahrenheit 9/11½” that is to be released in 2008 in time for the presidential election season. According to those in the know, Moore continues his look at how the Bush Administration “allegedly” used the tragic events of September 11, 2001 to push forward his war agenda in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In between it all, he might have to spend a little time in Washington D.C., answering questions from the Treasury Department about a visit to Cuba he made while filming “Sicko.” Moore contends that his work as a journalist frees him from the current U.S. economic embargo on Cuba.
As a result of everything on his plate, Moore will be bringing a lot of media attention to Northern Michigan. In fact, since word got out that the “unofficial” premiere of “Sicko” would take place in Bellaire, more than 500 media outlets around the world have reported on it.
“We certainly are getting a sense that interest in this film is strong. We are getting calls for tickets from all over the country,” said Jim McKimmy, chairman of the Antrim Dems. “We sold half the tickets the first day and sold out of the reception. We have now added a brunch with Michael and tickets are selling quickly for that.”
McKimmy reports that people are coming in from Florida and states out west. Moore’s wife, Kathleen Glynn, is one of the film’s producers, and as the vice-chair of the Antrim Dems, arranged for this fundraiser. But McKimmy says that Moore himself has been a strong supporter of the organization.
“Michael came to us a few years ago and suggested that we step out of the traditional role as a political organization, and that we take on projects to help people in need,” said McKimmy. “We have done that and we are active in several causes in the region to help others, including regular participation with all five food pantries in Antrim County.”
As for the film, McKimmy has not seen it, but others in Antrim Dems have.
“As an organization we have not endorsed the film. Some of our executive committee members saw it earlier this spring and gave it glowing reviews,” said McKimmy. “I believe that this film is going to move health care in this country to the forefront of the presidential race next year. I believe Michael has planned it that way.”
McKimmy believes that the health care crisis is spilling over into all aspects of American society. He points to a recent report that shows more than half of all personal bankruptcies in the country are a result of health care bills. He believes that the film will resonate with all Americans because everyone has had challenges with the health care system.
“We plan to address the media (several media outlets from around the country will be in to cover the event) and those in attendance with the current state of health care in our own county,” said McKimmy.
To learn more about the June 16 “unofficial” premiere of “Sicko” at the Bellaire Theater, check out antrimdems.org/sicko or call (231) 533-6524. Michael Moore will be at the events throughout the day, offering comments on the making of the film.




New Lease on Life for TC’s State Theatre
By Rick Coates

A deal struck last week between Rotary Charities and Michael Moore will allow the Traverse City Film Festival to take ownership of the State Theatre in downtown Traverse City.
“It has been our dream since we started the festival two years, ago to bring the State Theatre back to life and restore it to its glory as one of the great movie palaces of the Midwest,” Moore said. “Now, thanks to the generosity of Rotary Charities, people from all over Northern Michigan will be able to see great films the way they were intended to be seen: projected on a big screen with great sound in an atmosphere where going to the movies can be an exhilarating experience.”
The State Theatre has had a challenged existence in recent years and its future was uncertain until Film Festival organizers began making overtures for the facility as a permanent home for the Festival.
“This resurrection of the State Theatre has been made possible through the generosity of Rotary Charities of Traverse City,” said Moore. “They have ‘sold’ it to us for a performance-based mortgage, which means the $600,000 ‘cost’ of the theatre is forgiven if we keep it open a certain number of days for at least five years. If we do, the mortgage is torn up and the theater is ours for free.”
Moore and others are contributing to several immediate renovations to the State with plans that the theater will open full time later this year.
“In the coming weeks, we will announce the grand re-opening date and what we will need to sustain this wonderful, old movie palace. It will be staffed by volunteers and it will be supported by small donations from what we hope will be thousands of the State Theatre’s new members,” said Moore. “And if there is another angel or two who can help us repair the marquee or put air conditioning in the lobby, then please let us know who you are.”