Jumping The Candlestick: Michigander Monday: Jennifer Sowle

Jumping The Candlestick: Michigander Monday: Jennifer Sowle: I'm pleased to welcome Jennifer Sowle to Michigander Monday! Debbie :  Jennifer, please tell us a little about yourself. Jennifer :...

IT'S A WRAP!

Jennifer and Doreen at the Filmmaker's Party

I last posted on Saturday, and now it's Tuesday.   My mind temporarily (I hope) shut down before it permanently seized up from TCFF overload.  So now the 10th Anniversary TCFF is over, but I'd still like to share the final highlights of Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday all four of us were able to get a spot for lunch on the rooftop deck of The Franklin. Bay breezes and lots of sun.  Then we saw the Meet the Patels at the State.  Then on to the US Premier of Life of Crime with Jennifer Aniston and Tim Robbins, based on the novel, Switch, by Elmore Leonard, the Detroit novelist and short-story writer. It was a bittersweet moment because Elmore Leonard, who was scheduled to appear, passed away last August without seeing the final cut. Writer/director Danial Schechter was there for the Q and A.  Honestly, I probably wouldn't have seen a movie starring Jennifer Aniston, but she was pretty good in this.

As you know, I won tickets to the Filmmakers Party.  We had a bountiful feast from our local restaurants and the wine and alcoholic beverages flowed.  Maybe that's why we look so happy.

The Patels with their award

Awards were given out at the Filmmakers Party.  It was amazing to see winners so happy and excited.  Winners and losers alike were there to celebrate!   Meet the Patels won for the best documentary. We saw it Saturday after we'd named our choices.  But this doc is authentically funny, a rare thing these days. Four stars.

Chaz Ebert

Actually, all the docs we saw were exceptional. On Sunday, we saw the documentary about Roger Ebert, Life Itself.  Very moving and inspiring. Roger Ebert's wife of 20 years, Chaz Ebert, was there to introduce the film. She also attended the Filmmakers Party.

After that, I went to a Film School Session on writing Adaptations.  I'm trying to get the juices flowing to write the screenplay for Admissions.  I learned a lot, met the instructor, Leslie Tye, head of Interlochen's screenwriting program.  We made arrangements to meet after the TCFF to discuss the screenplay.  Time to shift gears.

Thanks to all of you for following me or reading my posts.  I've had close to six thousand views during the TCFF.  I'm taking a break now, but I might be back.

The German Doctor Visits the Congo with his husband Claude who commits suicide.

Well, here we are again; and this time we're talkin' films.  We were able to slow down long enough to have dinner last night at Bistro FouFou.  We've seen some fabulous films already, so we decided to declare our favorites so far, both documentary and feature films.


DOCUMENTARY
Sorry I missed Virunga about the national park in the Congo.  The mountain gorillas need protection during the conflict there. Colleen and Mike voted this film their favorite. We all loved Running from Crazy, the story of Mariel Hemingway and her family legacy of mental illness. I chose it as my favorite documentary. The filmmaker, Barbara Kopple was there to received the TCFF Mid-Life Achievement Award for her work.  It was hard to choose between that and The Case Against Eight, the five-year legal battle for marriage equality.  Doreen chose this as her favorite.  We have more docs to see, but so far they've been exceptional!

FEATURE:
Colleen and Mike sponsored a winner in The German Doctor. a chilling account of Nazi war criminal, Josef Mengele (the angel of death), set in a German community in Patagonia in l960.  Mengele was in hiding, but still up to no good.  We all voted this our favorite movie so far.

So True!

In case this line-up seems a bit bleak, we always mix 'em up. Comedies, drama, docs, only one we didn't really like so much.
We have three movies today, lunch, hopefully on the roof-top deck of the Franklin to people watch.  This is a good time to mention Traverse City has rolled out the red carpet with absolutely beautiful weather each and every day!

Since I actually won (which I never do) complimentary tickets to the Filmmaker's Party tonight, we'll wrap up our Saturday with a party. We leave the house at 9:00 am and will be draggin' home late full of excellent food and probably a glass of wine--or two.

We have a winner!

Hey

Ozzy Here . . . 

I can't help but smile!  My mom was just announced as the winner of the  Grand Traverse Resort Ultimate TCFF Movie Fan Contest. She got two tickets to the Filmmaker's Party on Saturday! Wayda go, mom!

I believe in omens.  I think my mom's screenplay of Admissions will be made into a movie.  Get it-- Filmmaker.  Groovy.  LA here I come.

Let the Movies Roll!

One, two, three . . . ah . . five, er. . . four

 Hey.  Ozzy Here . . .

I'm downtown in front of the State Theatre.  The film festival started last night, and I'm trying to report to you how many extra people are in town.  My mom said give it up--there are too many for me to count.  Whew, where's that water bowl?

I'm finding out that the dogs must be somewhere else.  There are a few on the street, but come to think about it, their parents are probably in watching a movie.  And guess what?  DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED in the Theatre (except if a celebrity wants to brings their dog on stage).  I asked my mom if she was a celebrity, and she said "Fat Chance."  I'll have to check some videos from the Library, they're free after the Festival.

left to right, Colleen, Doreen, Jennifer, Mike

My mom is in high gear now.  She's officially starting her movie watching whirlwind with her peeps.  Don't they look like  happy bunch?  I'm taking up the slack while they're taking in a lot of films, eating out, and enjoying themselves.  I'll be in Doggie Daycare some of the time which I love cuz I love Joan and Sam at Happy Tails.  And I have a good thing going with Brody (bromance), and another one with Lucy.  Don't worry, I'll keep you posted on all the exciting news here at the TCFF.

Ozzy here. . . Is this fair?

Ozzy abandoned outside the Bijou by the Bay

Hey, Ozzy here--

My mom went to the Founders Party to volunteer yesterday and she didn't take me with her.  I don't want to sound bitter, but she had some lame excuse about dogs not being allowed. I have to admit I was happy to see her when she got back, but I smelled BACON on her breath!

She was all excited, telling me about how she got to greet everyone and put armbands on them.  She told me she had trouble with the armbands (her own thumb kept sticking to the end when she tried to put it on somebody).  She told me she stuck the wrong end on a couple of hairy guys and had to rip it off their arm fur.  Ouch!  Don't expect me to laugh.

See how upset I was, notice how I'm looking around for my mom?  I'm right outside the Bijou by the Bay, and that damn party is right behind it in a big white tent with smells wafting by. (Okay, I wasn't really there yesterday, but you get my point).  My mom told me if I didn't stop making things up to support my case, she's cutting me off the computer.

Jennifer wearing her lanyard to volunteer

Here's my mom all happy to be leaving me behind as she races off to her first volunteer shift, The Founders Party at Clinch Park.  She told me she greeted many nice people and even the guys she tortured with the sticky armband laughed about it.

Susan lining up glasses

This is the table where my mom greeted people.  Here, they're arranging the glasses and getting ready.  Mom said this woman, Susan, was very helpful and made her feel right at home.  I'm starting to come to my senses up about this when I see the pictures. I guess my mom had a good time and that's all we dogs are supposed to care about.

Ozzy pretending he's a film sponsor for Dogs and Cats

My mom's the greatest! Maybe I didn't get to hear Miriam Pico sing, or Michael Moore talk about the good ol' days, or get Dean Robb to shake, or have that BACON;  but my mom let me put on an armband to see what it feels like. I didn't do anything special like the founders and sponsors did, but I still get to wear a pawband.  Yoo-hoo!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Picked up my volunteer credentials yesterday.  I think they restarted the old wind turbine west of town and channeled that energy right into the Lake Room of the Park Place Hotel.  There's nothing like a room full of excited volunteers ready to go forth and conquer!

OZ  does look pretty fine!

OZ:  Er . . . excuse me, OZZY here.  Ah . . . Can I model the T-shirt?

J: I have one of the volunteers modeling the T-shirt, OZ. The shirts are for the volunteers.

OZ: I'm a volunteer (whimper, whine).

J: Ok, go ahead, get it on, and I'll take your picture.
Hummm, not bad.

OZ: Told you so.  I'm what they call a stud muffin, emphasis on the muffin.


I talked to three volunteers on Friday who were also picking up their stuff at the Park Place.

I talked to Carolyn Wilson first.  She's a five year veteran. She and her husband, Adam, met in movie circles around town.  They both love movies and that was the beginning of their romance.  For their first date, Carolyn and Adam went to the State Theatre to see Son of Rambow, 2007 (a Sundance and Toronto FF winner). Darn, I missed this one first time around.  Carolyn gives it a thumbs up!

Carolyn says the best thing about being a volunteer is meeting and working with people of like mind, folks who love movies!  She's been surfing the TCFF website building on her excitement for next week. I tell  you this girl is pumped up!

My second victim was Clark Etterman from Lake City.  Clark, like Carolyn, was shy about getting his picture taken, but it didn't take him long to start chatting about volunteering for the TCFF.  Clark drove over from Lake City to "wing it" at the volunteer site.  Lo and behold, he got one of the Information Ambassador positions (I'm jealous).  He wasn't complaining, but that means he'll have to drive over again for a training session soon.

Clark, who happens to be a Vietnam Vet, says he has met many new acquaintances and friends through volunteering.  He is one of those give-back people who likes to volunteer for other things as well.  For the TCFF he is willing to drive an hour each way.  He'll be over here several times during the next week, and he's looking forward to it!

Clark has a State Theatre story also.  In l960, he and his high school buddy drove to TC from Lake City to see Porgy and Bess. The area was mostly fields and open spaces then.  Heads up, TCFF, Clark would like to see Porgy and Bess at the State again.

My third chat was with Stephanie Wilkins, and thank the goddess of visual images, she wasn't afraid to have her picture taken.  She and Ozzy might end up in a T-shirt competition. Stephanie is a newbie at the TCFF.  She just recently moved here from Key West where she taught sailing for eight years. Now she's teaching sailing with TACS on Boardman Lake.

Stephanie is jumping right into the TCFF with both feet.  She's signed up for three volunteer gigs, Bus Ambassador, Filmmaker's Party, and Opera House venue.  On top of that she's one of the videographers for the TCFF.

Stephanie says she's here to learn.  She wants to immerse herself in the experience of the Film Festival and come out changed.  It appears she's at the start of a life transition.  She's always loved photography, writing and film.  She's following a new path, whether it's acting, directing, or becoming a filmmaker.  Stephanie has simplified her life, freeing her up to follow her dreams.

Thanks, Carolyn, Clark, and Stephanie for making my day!

Elk Rapids Rockin' on Movie Night

Elk Rapids Cinema Last Night, showing "Sister"

Colleen and Mike were able to take advantage of the new Around the Bay Tour which is a new feature of the TCFF this year.  I tell you, this movie thing is spreading like wildfire up here.  The tour includes Petoskey and Charlevoix and the renovated art-deco Vogue Theatre in Manistee, The Bay in Suttons Bay, The Elk Rapids Cinema, and the shined-up Garden in Frankfort.  Dinner and a movie anyone?

The Vogue downtown Manistee

The Bay, downtown Suttons Bay since l947

The Garden Theatre, downtown Frankfort

     To quote Colleen, "What a       great movie in Elk Rapids tonight--Sister. Sell out crowd of 300.  The little town of ER was rocking!  Michael showed up & gave kudos & a check to the sweet old guy who owns & has been running the theatre for 41 years. The theatre owner & his wife were all dolled up & on Cloud 9!  Very Cool!"




Just had to let you now about another new feature this year.  I like the fact that folks around the bay have a chance to participate in the TCFF right in their own communities!

Be a Friend, Give Back

Park Place Hotel

I chatted with a neighbor today who is excited about attending the TCFF for the first time.  She's jumping right in there with four volunteer shifts. She's a newbie, so she'll learn as she goes just as we all did. Maybe I'll see her at the Park Place tomorrow for credentials pickup. I forgot to tell her she's getting a Tshirt!

It's hard to keep the different roles straight.  Be a friend, be a volunteer, be a sponsor . . . it's not exactly the golden rule, but it's close?  Every year I sign up to be a Friend because I want an early chance to get tickets for the movies I want to see.  I don't pretend to be a philanthropist, I want those tickets!

There are five levels of Friends, and the price is discounted if you sign up for 2015 before this Sept lst. If you don't have much money, you can get a membership for as little as $40.00.  Oh, and you have to be old. (That's the half-off Senior Friend membership).  You know, when the Film Festival began, I thought everybody was a senior; we have a lot of retired folks up here.  Wouldn't you want to retire to Traverse City?  I think it's fantastic that we baby boomers, the same ones who marched against the war (excuse me, Vietnam conflict), Civil Rights, Violence Against Women, Peace, the same ones who did sit-ins and teach-ins and love-ins--you know, people who know a good idea when they see it and aren't afraid to jump right in.  Yeah, Boomers!! Now we have people of all ages who are Friends, and that is a good thing.

Volunteers at Concessions, State Theatre

People in our community volunteer. I'm doing three shifts this year, giving my time and energy (what is left of it) to the TCFF.  It's a match made in heaven.  I get to work with amazing people, schmooze a little, and feel the vibes behind the scenes.  The Festival knows volunteers are the backbone of our film culture up here, and they like us, give each of us a Tshirt, treats, a free movie or two, a party.  Makes us poor workers feel important. Well, what the heck,we already know we are important!

As a matter of fact, I'm volunteering for the Founders Party this Sunday.  I'll be pouring water (or something like that) for the Founders and Sponsors for this year's TCFF.  I'll talk about what sponsors do and how they do it in my post-party blog post.

Speaking of volunteering,  I'm also doing this blog.  It's unquestionably a labor of love, but I happen to think it enhances the Film Festival.  It is definitely a step in the direction of transparency and inclusion. Ozzy thinks so too!

Wrinkles Ironed Out

Hey.  Gotta tell you about a couple of kinks wrestled to the ground this year.

I got my grand schedule figured out, and sure enough, not enough room for one of my volunteer gigs.  I didn't want to give anything up, so I went to the volunteer page and found yet another party to volunteer for.

One of our friendly BATA drivers, Connie

While I was browsing the volunteer opportunities, I noticed they need ambassadors to ride the free shuttles between venues.   These ambassadors will answer questions for riders and help them find their way around.  First year for that--Bravo.

And I also heard from another fest-goer that folks who arrived to wait for tickets were thrilled to be invited inside the air conditioned State Theatre to watch movie trailers.  I think it worked like this: you show up and get a number.  You are invited in to the State where you can recline in those cushy velvet seats and watch previews of things to come. They call your number, and you come up to select your tickets.  Sm-o-o-o-th.

OZ Dog on the Street Launch

Hey,
Ozzy here -

Well, I talked my mom (who is Jennifer, the big blog cheeze) into getting a head start on my Dog on the Street interviews.  We zipped down to the Bay this morning for a swim.

There wasn't a cloud in the sky; and we got there early in the morning--try wearing a fur coat when it's 80 degrees.  I saw a sign that had a dog with a big red circle and slash across it.  I think that means don't bother the dogs. So I frolicked and chased sticks.

We were walking up to the Rivertown Cafe at Clinch Park for coffee--I don't really like coffee but my mom, er ... Jennifer does.

Then, I saw her.  The cutest, fuzzy white little gal skittering across the patio.  Right then, I knew SuzyQ would be my first interview.  She had a nice dad who was close by working at the park. Perfect setup for my launch.  So here goes..

OZZY, DOG ON THE STREET
OZ:  Good morning.  Today I'm interviewing a white Yorkie down at the Clinch Park Pavillion.
And what is your name, and what are you doing down here this morning?

S.  My name is SuzieQ, I'm part Yorkie, and maybe something else, we don't know.  I'm nine years old.

OZ.  Can you tell me something about yourself, SuzyQ?

Deano and SuzyQ at Clinch Park

S.  I'd love to, you big handsome doodle.  (By the way, have you seen Lady and the Tramp by Disney?) . .  . Never mind, back to me.  My dad is Deano.  He's been bringing me to the Park all my life.  I come down here early in the morning and I pretty much have the run of the place.  I hang out at the counter of the Kayak rentals, but I also walk around and meet people.  Whenever I need an attention fix, I just stroll out on the patio.  You wouldn't believe all the people who pet me. I love it here, lying in the shade, feeling the bay breeze rustle my fur.

OZ.  So, Suzie, you're a TC native?

S.  Yes.  My dad found me in a cemetery here in TC when I was only 3 weeks old.  He took me home and my life has been a dream ever since.  Ah . . . excuse me, do you have a kleenex?

OZ.  Do you have a job down here, Suz?

S.  It's like a job, but it's also like being on vacation.  I like to think of myself as a doggie ambassador for the Bay front.  Later today, it'll get quite crowded with people on bikes, skateboards, walking, running.  Today I saw a team of sled dogs pulling a guy on a sled with wheels!  There's never a dull moment down here, Oz.

OZ.  I'm on the team for the TCFF-slug-lines blog.  We're writing about the Film Festival.  Any comments, Su.

S.  Of course, I love the Film Festival!  The pace picks up down here at Clinch Park.  They have performers playing music down here all the time during the Festival .  The humongous screen goes up and people sit in front of it til real late at night.  I don't get to stay for that.  In the afternoons, my dad takes me to my babysitter in the upstairs of Cook's House.

OZ.  What's your favorite thing about the Film Festival?

S.  Are you kiddin?  The dogs!  Dogs from everywhere in the world.  French Poodles, Australian Shepherds, Boston Terriers, English Bulldogs, Portuguese Water Dogs, Chinese Cresteds, Irish Setters, German Shepherds.  I'm tellin' ya, it's like Match.Com without the .com.

OZ.  Well, thank you very much Suz.  Let me give you my card.  Ever go to the Dog Park on Division?

S.  One more thing, Oz.  My dad says they're holding the Founders Brunch down here this year!  Clinch Park Pavillion is a great place for that.  

Eavesdropping

I just read the most interesting, candid, and personal account I've ever read about the beginnings of the TCFF.

AMICAL on Front Street

I felt like I was "in on it," maybe sitting at a table close to these renegades at Amical and eavesdropping on the excitement, holding my breath along with the ones on the front line. This article is one in a series to appear in Northern Express, the first one appearing NOW.    Northern Express   I love it!

Tickets

Isn't Traverse City just the best!

We'll be at the first outdoor Traverse City Symphony concert tonight at the Commons.  (For those who don't know, The Commons is Ray Minervini's fantasy renovation of the old state mental hospital). When I eat in one of the restaurants, shop there, browse the art in the hallways, or hike the grounds, I feel sad that other communities didn't try to preserve these architectural masterpieces. The Commons is definitely one of the seven marvels, along with the State Theatre, of Traverse City.

While I'm at it, Did you know the old Traverse City State Hospital is the setting for my novel, Admissions?  

TICKETS

Well, there was such a stampede for tickets for the Nauti-Cat movies, it looks like there's going to be a drawing.  People were asked to send a postcard if they're interested (one ticket only). On top of that, over 50 movies have completely sold out, and tickets for the general public go on sale today.  On the positive side, there are 250 films on the roster, so that leaves 200 to choose from.  Some complain (of course) but I think the Festival has done a good job dealing with growing pains.  Well, I guess they were labor pains at first and that hurts!  I should know, I was there when each and every problem reared its ugly head, (and those were only the ones visible to me, a movie-goer.)

I gotta admit, it was rough the first couple of years. I waited in line for (what seemed like three days) in the blistering midday sun to get into the State Theatre to buy tickets.  When I finally dragged myself within site of the doors, my mouth stuck shut with thirst, the new computer system crashed.  Kinks were everywhere like fleas on a dog.  (Sorry, Ozzy). You know, it's bound to happen, ask any IT (information technology) expert.  Heck, I paid a fortune for a kinkless hose and even it kinks! Fortunately for us, the Festival is now pretty darn kink free.  I'll see what they've done this year to smooth out those new little ripples.

The good news is, with the exception of the boat tickets, which I could still get in the drawing since I'm such a deserving person, everyone in my foursome got everything they wanted.  It's so hard to reign in enthusiasm for the films this year.  I'm seeing fifteen or sixteen (I lost count).  Now all we have to do is find the right vitamins to pull this off!

Introducing the great and powerful Oz

Hey, Ozzy here-  

Some of you already know me, but let me tell you, now I'm a really big deal.  I'm the newest member of the TCFF-slug-lines blog.  I don't really like slugs all that much, but I do love other dogs and people. (squirrels and bunnies too. . . and birds).

I went downtown yesterday to check out my turf.  I'll soon be hitting the pavement, pounding the beat as they say.  I'm going to be OZZY, DOG ON THE STREET for our blog.

I can't wait to meet all the new dogs coming in to town for the 10th Anniversary of the Traverse City Film Festival.  If the downtown streets are any clue, there are a lot of water dishes and some containers with doggie treats in them.  They sit right out in front of businesses, and you can have as many as your mom okays.

Anyway, I'll be interviewing dogs on the street, taking their pictures, and reporting to you on the blog about how interesting and exciting they are.  I'll see where they're from and why they are here, their age and breed, and whether or not they are having a good time. If they seem at all bored, I'll show them to the tunnel under the Parkway to the Bay to romp in the open space and maybe jump in the water.

So, stay tuned.  The Film Festival is coming soon, and when I stop drooling over my new job, my mom says I can start formulating my list of questions.  Susan Sarandon brought her dog a while back, but I wasn't born yet and didn't get to interview her.  I hear Mario Batali has a dog Willie who could be my brother. I'm hoping Willie shows up.  I'd like to interview him.  I want to ask him if his dad fixes him fancy food.

Just so you know, I heard Susan Sarandon's white fluffy dog was very cute and well behaved.

Check out my guest blog at the TCFF 2014 website.

TCFF 2014  BLOG.  "PLUG ME IN, I'M READY FOR THE 10TH"  

Volunteer or Voyeur

I'm not just sittin' around waiting for the stork to drop movie tickets down my chimney. I've been to the TCFF site more than once, clicking through and torqueing up my movie madness.  I ended up on the Volunteer page, arriving there not a click too soon.  Many of the primo jobs like information ambassadors and green-room people and party ticket takers and, of course, volunteer spots on the Nauti-Cat movie cruises were already full. (Remember, primo is in the eye of the beholder.)  

I'm happy to report I've just signed up and confirmed my volunteer gigs.  I'm kicking off my festival experience by serving as a Caterer's Assistant at the Opening Night Party on Tuesday. I figure folks will stream out of the opening film full of excitement, pumped up on popcorn and adrenaline, ready to party. 

I have no idea what a Caterer's Assistant does, but that hasn't stopped me from also signing up as a Caterer's Assistant at the Filmmakers Party on Saturday night.  Is anyone following the trend here?  Operative word: Party. Even if I have to carry heavy chafing dishes, or scrape out dirty pans, I just might get to see somebody I admire, maybe even somebody famous.  (I'm not proud, there's a twelve-year-old girl inside me who is hoping to see screen idols.) 

What I'm seeking out is a job serving up food in the only available line, the line where everybody files through and chats pleasantly with me, raves about my novel, and then begs to read my screenplay.  If not, maybe I'll get to see Michael Moore bust out a few dance moves.  

Wrapping up on Sunday, I've volunteered to do surveys at "The Buzz", one of the new venues.  (The rest of the year, it's the Inside-Out Gallery in the Warehouse District.)  The films are free this year at The Buzz, and they serve alcoholic beverages.  I promise I won't say the word "buzzed."

I think I first volunteered the second or third year of the film festival.  Colleen and I both ushered at the State. It was back when everything about the good old days of cinema sounded wonderful. I'm sure the maroon vests with the gold braid and the Phillip Morris hats for the ushers sounded like an incredibly romantic and nostalgic brainstorm.  I get it; they fit with the State Theater. Of course, all those vests had to be made, sized, and occasionally cleaned; and I'm sure it was a labor of love. But then vests and hats had to be stored so volunteers could change into them before their shifts.  Where did they store them, you ask?  In the basement. Any fascination with going down to the basement of the State Theater soon lost its luster.  I don't know whether the vests fell apart or just fell out of favor with the volunteers, but they're just a memory now.  There's a limit to what lengths a volunteer will go.  (I think.)

PS.  There is a rumor the basement of the State is haunted.  Just go down there on Halloween.

Interns Rock

I met a few weeks ago with a couple of Film Festival Interns to brainstorm the idea of a guest blogger. I caught the energy and enthusiasm virus as soon as I sat down with them over coffee.  I hope they won't mind me mentioning their names, Jillian McCafferty and Dean Feole.  And I'll tattle on you, Jill, for ordering that muffin.

Sometimes I wonder if all the old synapses are still firing in my brain; but as soon as we started talking, I am pleased to report these two defibrillated me and returned me to normal rhythm. CLEAR! I am energized by new ideas and treasure the state of optimism, where all things seem possible if we can just come up with a great concept.  That's what I got from Jill and Dean, and I'm sure I'd get it from any of the interns I might talk with.  With this creative bunch, the film festival is bound to be heading in the right direction, infused with new blood and brain power.

The State

Who could have imagined what the renovation of an old theater on Front Street would mean to Traverse City?  The State Theater truly has been a resurrection.  In November 2007, the completely redone State Theater opened; and I witnessed the unveiling of the old jewel, it's beauty restored.  I sat in the comfy plush seats and looked up at the starry-night ceiling, listened to the organ, leaned forward expectantly as the dense velvet curtain was raised on The Kite Runner.  After watching the movie, it wasn't over yet: some of the key people from the film came out to communicate with the audience. I've known that kind of excitement at The State; and I know what it's like to be there with neighbors and friends, sharing the moment.

In Game of Thrones, the HBO series, the introductory credits are set against a chess-board-like map, a tower pops up on one point of the map, then another and another building, gears grind out connections, forming a city, city after city building an empire. Okay, this sounds pretty grandiose for Traverse City, but that is exactly what has happened.  I love the State.  It was that first tower shooting up on the map of the film festival.

I'm old enough to remember when movie theaters had ornate paintings, an organist, and ushers.  My two sisters both wore the outfits with gold cords and ushered at the "show".  The first time I went to a movie, I was about six, hooking up with my cousin, walking to the show, watching the organist's fingers flutter over the keys, snickering at the nearly naked Adam and Eve paintings at each side of the screen, watching the newsreels, cartoons, and finally the main attraction.  When my cousin and I went to the show, we were transported to another world, the cool dark world of the movies. Sometimes we even sat quietly in our seats and watched the movie again.  It was magical.  Traverse City kids know what I mean.

The State originally opened as the Lyric Theatre in l916.  Adult tickets were 25 cents, children 5 cents. The theater has been destroyed by fire not once, but twice.  Coming full circle, last year The State was awarded the number one spot on a list of the 10 best theaters in the world by a national film industries news site. And it's been named by USA Today as one of the 10 best theaters to "watch a movie in splendor." Three words, FAB-U-LOUS.

The State has surpassed every expectation, and unquestionably is the center piece for the film festival. But who could have known how it has become a friend and a neighbor?  Just last week, folks were lined up to see the US Soccer World Cup on the big screen.  It's doors have opened to state televised sports events where friends can root for their favorite teams.  It's the next best thing to being there! The State is there for us whether it's for a beautiful new or old film, for the Oscar Night event, the HD transmission from the Metropolitan Opera, Martin Luther King celebration, fundraisers, exceptional documentaries, kid's free shows, or the haunted theater tour on Halloween.  Ozzy appreciates the dog water dishes on the street in front, doggie treats at the box office window; and when the temp reaches 100 degrees, you can walk in for an air conditioned movie experience for free!  Not you, Oz.

The State is my neighbor, and I love to visit her as often as I can!  Oh, and did I mention she's open year around and almost entirely run by volunteers?  She's showing Chef this week, so I need to walk down there for popcorn and another excellent film.  Unfortunately, its only 65 degrees.

The miracle birth of the movie schedule

I'm as blown away as an emergency worker on the TC road commission this winter.  Have you seen the film schedule insert?  Fabulous changes afoot.  Movies on a boat?

If I remember right, the first film schedule was a rather thin handout, easily maneuvered--no problem.  Over ten years it has grown into the movie New York Times, and that takes a strategy.  My crew is a fine-tuned machine.  Colleen takes the "first blush" position and cherry picks her favorites.  The first go-around film itinerary is now in, and phase two of our program planning in underway.  It's a yea or nay to the first draft, then we add movies, take out movies, switch the venue, time, or day to make it fit the master plan--not as complex as Argo, but close.  And lordy how are we going to do fifteen movies with no room for lunch or dinner breaks? One cannot live on popcorn alone. (The concession prices are dirt
cheap, so maybe we will survive for another festival.)

Don't get me wrong, Traverse City is movie-friendly with the food.  As we rush to our next line, we can visit food trucks, do quick takeout, or pick up a brown-bag lunch.  It's okay to eat a piece of cherry pie or an entire meal in the movie lines.  We're all in this together.

I'm determined to make time for lunch or dinner at an outside table in one of our fabulous downtown restaurants, sip a glass of wine, and see if we can spot any celebrities. Okay, I admit I was rattled in the first year (or maybe it was the second) when I saw Matthew Modine looking at hats on the sidewalk sale--Remember? Private Joker in Full Metal Jacket.  Never know, this year I may see Matthew McConaughey.

How many films?

I'm Jennifer and I've been a crazed cinephile since I was six years old.  I'm also a TC resident and ten year veteran of film festival.  I hope you follow me as I reminisce about my ten year affair with the TCFF.  I'm still going strong, and the Festival continues to grow and get stronger every year, so I expect the relationship will last forever (Don't we all.)

Tomorrow, Friday June 27, the schedule comes out for the 10th Anniversary Film Festival.
If you're not already squirming with excitement for this year's event, you will be when you pick up that movie program, google the website, or peruse the Record Eagle insert.

I'm old fashioned; I like to see the possibilities in print and rattle and claw my way through the pages with my own little hands. Ahh the smell of newsprint.  My newspaper delivery guy or gal almost has perfected a bullseye to my front door.  At first light, Ozzy (resident Goldendoodle) retrieves it and there you go . . . . I'm off to the movies (or at least I'm on the starting line in the selection process).

Last year there were  over 150 films to choose from.  On top of that, there are film discussion groups to attend, the morning panels to inspire you, and the mandatory people-watching downtown. This year we have some new vantage points, most notably the roof-top patio of the Franklin.  Outdoor tables at many of our restaurants, benches, parks, even leaning against a building works in a pinch.

Maddening as it is, if I can juggle my favorite choices and end up with a tight itinerary (with some time for a quick meal or two) it is sadistically satisfying.  My record is 14 films in 4 days, and a list of second-tier "must sees" that may come to the State on a blustery winter day.

Ever try to coordinate the choices of four people?  My movie-going cadre is getting better at it each year, but the process still is strangely like hose-blasting squirrels out of a tree.  You get some and you miss some. Learn to compromise, there's always Netflix.  (And for those wet, irate and pesky squirrels, stop digging in my garden--remember Groundhog Day?)

In this first post I'll mention my movie-going group because they are an important part of my festival experience.  They are in alphabetical order, Colleen, Doreen, Me, and Mike.  My dog Ozzy will be joining me downtown to meet some of the festival dogs and maybe have a chat with them.  We aim to cover all the bases.

So thanks for joining me, and keep an eye out for the paper tomorrow.  If you don't want to get out of bed, go to the TCFF website, make some coffee or tea, sit back, three . . . two . . . one . . . GO!