http://blog.mlive.com/traveling_coach/2008/07/film_festival_fun_guide.html
Traversing the Traverse City Film Festival
Posted by Kim Schneider | Traveling Coach July 31, 2008 09:46AM
Categories: Featured
Kim Schneider
"You can't see it all. And it's okay."
That's the closing line of the newest Traverse City Film Festival trailer, a short film that features a dad mapping out strategy like a war plan for getting family members to everything they want to see in the festival. And the loud applause and knowing laughter it elicits tells me this: I'm not the only one who can't get enough of this festival and who finds it tough to keep a sane pace.
Doing the festival right means making some tough choices. Do you pick the Michigan auto industry-based"Flash of Genius" at 9 p.m. tonight? Or do you head to the Open Space to see "Singing in the Rain" free on a big outdooor screen, the night before Phil Donahue interviews its 84-year-old Stanley Donen at a free Friday morning panel discussion? Should you book movies back-to-back and subsist on popcorn, or leave time to savor fish tacos and a fresh lime drink at a new Cuban restaurant with rooftop alfresco dining?
Here's how to fit some balance into your visit.
Focus on what you won't see elsewhere
This year's printable schedule highlights in yellow the films for which directors, producers or actors will be present, and this year, according to Festival Founder Michael Moore, a record number of 24 directors will be present. And those films usually include a panel discussion or Q&A session at the movie's end.
The most priceless experience of this year's festival for me, so far, will not be a potential Madonna sighting or even Moore's always entertaining film introductions. It will be experiences like one I had last night as I watched a young candidate for Memphis City Council watch himself for the first time in a documentary in which he starred (especially getting red-faced and laughing when in the film he noted that being good-looking was certainly an asset to running for office). Also inspiring was the eager questioning by young people in the audience about how they can get involved in the political process.
Leave time to go with the flow
At last night's screening of "The Youngest Candidate," the entire audience was spontaneously invited to a not-previously announced premiere party at a nearby gallery/concert venue featuring a live band featured in the film and the chance to mingle with the film's guest stars. And trust one who knows. You don't want to make festival popcorn your week's sole nourishment.
Good eating bets
For alfresco dining, Amical (a few doors down from the State Theater) is a locally popular choice, especially for the tomato soup en croute and perfect creme brulee. For small plates and martinis, try a lemongrass martini or mojito any way you like it at Red Ginger (next door to the State), paired with subtle Thai curry or steamed pork buns. 310 (on the river) and Poppycocks (also on Front Street)--both boasting unusual food offerings and long martini lists--are also local favorites.
Go for what you want, ticket or no
This year, the festival's launched a ticket swap, a way to connect people with extra tickets to sold-out performances with those without. The site also lists films for which box office tickets are still available. And it's a little known fact that if you stand in line for even sold-out performances, you'll usually be able to score a seat.
Leave parking worries behind
Parking hasn't seemed like much of an issue this year; I've been able to easily get quickly within a block or so of my destination theater. But take all the worry away by parking at the (easy to recall) Cherry Lot on the Northwestern Michigan College campus. The festival films are spread over five theater venues this year (a fun way to see the city, one guest star noted). And a shuttle stops at each venue every few minutes.
Mix up your fun
This weekend's a big festival/fair weekend in Northern Michigan. Worth the drive (along the bay for the whole way) is the Suttons Bay Art Fair, a juried fair held along the waterfront. Also this weekend is the popular Dunegrass folk music festival in nearby Empire, on Lake Michigan, featuring Arlo Guthrie and others. Or just for a short break to see the sun, bike and boat rental options abound.
General lodging and visitor information:
http://www.visittraversecity.com/