This year's Film Fest. Big News!

[todd]

I could tell you the big news but I will let you read Michael Moore's email for yourself.

Dear Volunteers,

Ok, here's the news we've been dyin' to tell you: Madonna is coming to the Traverse City Film Festival!

That's right, the most successful female recording artist of all time -- and an all-round genuine human being and humanitarian -- will take to the stage of our newly-restored historic State Theatre and present her brand new film, "I Am Because We Are," as part of our fourth annual film festival. It will all take place on Saturday night, August 2, at 7 p.m. -- and 540 lucky people will get to be there for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Madonna will introduce the film and then participate in a question and answer session with the audience at the end of the screening. It will be a very special night for the film festival and we are honored by her acceptance of our request to make Traverse City the Midwest premiere of her powerful new documentary.

"I Am Because We Are" is Madonna's personal journey and meditation on the people she has met through her work in one of the poorest countries on earth -- Malawi. Located in southern Africa, Malawi is ravaged by poverty and disease. The film is both heartening and heartbreaking as Madonna gives us a window into a world we know little about.

As we expect a huge crush of people wanting to attend this intimate event, we have decided not to have tickets for Madonna on sale the same day as the rest of the festival movies in July. Therefore, we will put the Madonna film tickets on sale, tentatively, on Saturday, June 7. We will release the actual details next week. One thing I promise you: however we distribute these tickets, it will be done in the most fair, most democratic, and most egalitarian way possible so that everyone who wants to go has an equal chance.

As part of our celebration of Madonna's visit to the film festival, on the night she'll be at the State, our free film outdoors in the Open Space will be "A League of Their Own," starring Tom Hanks, Madonna, Rosie O'Donnell and Geena Davis.

I've known Madonna for a number of years. I know how much she does for this planet and I continue to be amazed at how she uses her numerous talents -- singer, author, actress, activist -- for the greater good. Yes, she's had many, many #1 albums and singles (her latest just debuted at #1), but few know about how much of her life is devoted to bringing about a better world. She's one of us, a Michigander, and I'm sure all of you would like to give her a warm TC welcome home.

Madonna at the State Theatre -- and this is just the first of a number of surprises we have up our sleeve for this year's film festival. Stayed tuned, there's more to come. We have an exciting week (July 29-August 3) being planned for you!

Yours,
Mike

[TwiSteD]

I wanna go......

[todd]

Maybe I can introduce you to Madonna. She might show up at her father's vineyard. I was there taking photos last year and I will try to do it again this year.

[TwiSteD]

let's do it, a couple bottles of wine to go with?????

[todd]

Don't need it. Last year they provided the food and beverages. High class stuff. Champaign etc..

[todd]

Here are some photos from last year.

[TwiSteD]

He Needs To Go On A Diet!!!!!!!!!

[todd]

Did I tell you about the time I took his ice cream? We were standing next to each other at the volunteer's party and Moore was eating ice cream.
They were just about to ask him to go to the podium so I said "do you want me to hold your ice cream?"

He gave me a look and said "No. I'm good." Then when they finally called his name he looked at me again, handed me his ice cream and said "here."

haha. Poor guy. He looked like I just took his prized possession.

[Joe]

you should have put that "melting ice cream" in a jar and put it on ebay....

[todd]

I know. You're right. I could have made a fortune for sure.