For those that have seen this film I probably don't have to say much, but, for those that haven't go with a fresh idea of 'the potential within poverty.'
The story was filmed in Dublin. It was about a 'street artist' and a Czech immigrant. The poverty expressed in this film was profound. It was a charming film, but, also a great film. FOX made this film and Michael chose it to expose his most ardent enthusiasts to a reality shared by young people with potential in the arts but little chance to succeed.
The FOX industry execs coin this as a romance. In some ways it is, but, in other ways it is more an adventure into a 'potential' to more than romance, but, a triumph of the human spirit over incalculable odds. The 'potential' in the state of poverty came in the form of a female Czech immigrant who would not take no for an answer when interacting with a hardened street musician. She liked his singing and his guitar playing even when the guitar was mostly broken and worn so thin it was nearly transparent.
There was no 'hot babe' scenes and the couple was more than polite with each other as she revealed later to have a child to raise and a husband that mostly abandoned them. The roses, by the way in her hand in this picture were for sale and not to blossom romance by an admirer.
I won't tell you the ending except to say it made me want to know more of what happened, but, the incredible story that would never have taken place without the lady being very bold included many people reaching for the same goal. To be more. To be happy. To be successful. And. Always appreciative of the 'identity of need' they all shared.
After the movie, it was onto the Opening Night Party, which was a complete pleasure, entertaining and easy to be a part of the crowd. Michael Moore has seen this festival grow in three short years to an astounding success. The festival this year included FOUR venues. One of which was donated in it's entirety to a mission Michael now captains and it was the frosting on the cake. The Traverse City Film Festival is becoming a new idendity for this town in northern Michigan on a lake that will have year round films and talent playing their best all year long. When Michael Moore began this festival, the arts were dying in Traverse City. Now. It IS Traverse City along with it's Cherry Festival. He is some kind of phenomena that simply spells 'good American' and everyone wants to be a part of it.
Thank you, Michael.
