This festival is truly an incredible event. The beginnings of this started with 'an idea' and it has grown into a sustaining aspect of the American Landscape.
"Just Great Films," is the motto of the festival and it lives up to it every year.
Michael Moore has shown if America wants to revitalize their Main Street and get folks out of the malls and back to being a community, a thriving community, open up the movie theater. With the interest of many local business people and community organizations, The State Theater has breathed back to life. Along with its renewed purpose, the theater acted as a venue to revitalize Front Street (Which is the Main Street of Traverse City).
I have witnessed this miracle first hand for the past six years. Front Street of Traverse City was no different than many Main Streets across the USA, it was primarily abandoned. The reality that a movie theater can offer a service to citizens to bring them to their Main Street and allow for the revitalization of not only businesses and a vibrant local economy, but, the return of 'community' and 'window shopping.'
It wasn't enough for Traverse City to be revitalized, but, the entire area has come back to life. There are even casinos near the city that always are busy with tourists that not only like to play the 'game of chance,' but, also like live entertainment.
I am sure having Michael Moore as a resident and business man in Traverse City hasn't hurt the return of Front Street, but, Michael will tell anyone that wants to listen it all didn't happen by his voice alone. There were many people over the past six years that have contributed to the enthusiasm and focus of the community and its 'Main Street Economy.'
Traverse City found its 'Americana' again. It shunned conventional and corporate lifestyles and took the high ground of 'moral interest.' The city enjoys the craft stores of many merchants, there is a wonderful grocery of nothing but organic and wholesome foods, some made on the premises.
Festivals and the fact this is Lake Michigan where summer and winter sports can be enjoyed by tourists and residents alike has contributed to the city's 'brand new look.'
I congratulate all those involved with the Sixth Traverse City Film Festival and to the leadership of its small business owners and merchants that found a way to bring "Middle Class America" back to life and fashion in Traverse City, Michigan.
It might be great movies, but, it wouldn't have happened without great people and a vision.
