Film Focus

July 27, 2008

Following is a complete listing of the Traverse City Film Festival Panel Sessions for the week.
“We are proud to have so many directors and stars coming to our festival,” said Michael Moore. “From Uruguay to Italy to Pakistan, this diverse group of filmmakers will give moviegoers in Traverse City an incredible opportunity to interact with industry insiders and see great works of art from all over the world. Many of the guests will be participating in the festival’s popular morning discussion panels.”
The panels will be held daily Wednesday-Sunday at 10 a.m. at the City Opera House in downtown Traverse City. Panel tickets are free to the public and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9 a.m. each morning.
 
WEDNESDAY
“Front and Vine: Showing Movies at the State, Making Movies in Michigan”
With Rich Brauer (Brauer Productions), Russ Collins (Michigan Theater), Sean Fine (“War Dance”), Christine Lahti (“Yonkers Joe”), Gretchen Mol (“3:10 to Yuma”), Michael Moore, Janet Lockwood of the Michigan Film Office, Andrea Nix-Fine and special guests. Sponsored by Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
 
THURSDAY
“Who Are These Terrorists, and Why Do They Make Movies?”
With Daniel Evans (“War, Love, God & Madness”), Amin Matalqa (“Captain Abu Raed”), David Pritchard (“Captain Abu Raed”), Laura J. Winter (“Baghdad High”), Christopher Trumbo (“Trumbo”). Sponsored by the U & I Lounge.
 
FRIDAY
“The Phil Donahue Show, Live in Traverse City!”
With Phil Donahue and guests Michael Moore and Stanley Donen. Sponsored by Ungaretti & Harris LLP.
 
SATURDAY
“Saturday All-Star Comedy Panel”
With Larry Charles (“Religulous”), Stanley Donen, Sabina Guzzanti (“Sympathy for the Lobster”), Elaine May (“The Birdcage”), John Lyons (Focus Features) and special guests. Sponsored by Longview Winery.
 
SUNDAY
“I Worked with Michael Moore and Lived to Make This Movie”
With Carl Deal (“Trouble the Water”), Tia Lessin (“Trouble the Water”), Jason Pollock (“The Youngest Candidate”), Gini Reticker (“Pray the Devil Back to Hell”). Sponsored by Bay Bread Company and Bob & Carol Goff.
 
The panelist schedule is subject to change. Tickets to the Traverse City Film Festival can be purchased online at www.traversecityfilmfestival.org, by phone at 231-929-1627 or at the TCFF Box Office located at 300 E. Front St. in Radio Centre in downtown Traverse City. Tickets for all regular screenings are $9; opening and closing night films are $25. Opening and closing night party tickets are $50.