Filmgoer 2016

FILMGOER ON THE TOWN AT THE TRAVERSE CITY FILM FESTIVAL

JULY 26 — AUGUST 31, 2016

NEW IN TC

Restaurants, boutiques & a cool hotel!

THIRSTY?

Wineries, microbreweries & distillers

SO RUDE

The official m vie interrupter

PLUS RESTAURANTS you can walk to TASTE the Olivia de Havilland cocktail

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FILMGOER

THEATER GRAND OPENING, THEN CALLED THE LYRIC JULY 4, 1916

Welcome!

This year our festival’s crown jewel, the historic State Theatre, is celebrating its Centennial—100 years of movies on Front Street, 100 years anchoring downtown, 100 years of people gathering in the dark to experience the power of film together.

AFTER THE FIRST FIRE: NEWLY REOPENED LYRIC DECEMBER 20, 1923

THE LYRIC THEATRE AND DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY FALL 1941

AFTER THE SECOND FIRE: THE NEWLY RENAMED STATE THEATRE JULY 14, 1949

SHORTLY BEFORE GKC CLOSES THE STATE IN 1996 JULY 15, 1995

In those 100 years, much has changed in downtown Traverse City: gone are the department and music stores, making room for boutiques, restaurants, and bookstores.

But through it all, the State has remained—a beacon of chasing light that gives Traverse City its heartbeat and calls us together in our vibrant community town square.

Much has changed in a century of the movies, too—the stars, the style, the technological developments hurtling us toward a promised future. But take a look behind the camera, and you’ll see that some things remain painfully the same.

Despite being one of the most “liberal” industries in the US, for 100 years, Hollywood has been dominated by white men. In 100 years, only one woman took home the Oscar for Best Director. In 2014, only two of the top 100 grossing films released were directed by women.

Do you see anything inherently wrong with this picture?

Because we do. And we want to do something about it. That’s why this year’s festival has placed a special emphasis on filmmakers whose gender makes up the majority of the population.

All of the official selections in our US Narrative and Documentary sections are directed by women. And even on our giant 65-foot screen by the water in Open Space, all films are directed and/or written by women. And get this: they’re all great!

We’re making history in this Centennial year, right here in beautiful Traverse City. Together we have created something truly extraordinary in our little bayside hamlet — a film, food, and nature lover’s paradise that is committed to making things better for its residents, and for people beyond our borders. Now let’s make sure the next 100 years of movie-going on Front Street are flooded with the stories of women and people of color; stories that reflect who we all are.

MICHAEL MOORE, FOUNDER, PRESIDENT AND PROGRAMMER

COURTESY OF TCFF

DEB LAKE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRAVERSE CITY FILM FESTIVAL

STATE THEATRE GRAND REOPENING NOVEMBER 17, 2007 COURTESY OF TRAVERSE, NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S MAGAZINE

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Where a memory matters

231.929.9175 Kornergem.com

13031 S. Fisherman Cove Traverse City

A HIGHER STANDARD. Perfection is our aspiration — and we never shy from the pursuit. That’s why we’re pleased to announce our addition to the exclusive Autograph Collection. Comprised of only 102 boutique and luxury hotels worldwide, our new mark reflects our commitment to providing a guest experience like no other.

From a sumptuous meal at Vintage — our upscale lounge-style steakhouse and wine bar — to a day at our world-class spa, a round of championship-caliber golf or a quiet moment on the shore, you’ll see our dedication to the exceptional in every detail.

BAY HARBOR • MICHIGAN

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RESERVATIONS

866.224.1546

INNATBAYHARBOR.COM

MYNORTH.COM

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FILMGOER

THE STATE THEATRE TURNS 100 Imagine paying 15¢ for a movie ticket. When the Lyric Theatre opened on July 4, 1916, with the silent film The Iron Strain, that’s all adult tickets cost. Since then, the theater has survived two fires, several renovations, numerous owners, and a name change to the State Theatre in 1949.

With constant passion to honor the art of filmmaking over the years, and state-of-the-art picture and sound quality, it’s little surprise the Motion Picture Association of America named the historic State Theatre the No. 1 movie theater in the world in 2013.

More than just “going to the movies,” here at the State, every film is a special event. This year, we celebrate the centennial of the State Theatre in downtown Traverse City. Happy 100th birthday, State Theatre! May we request an encore for another 100?! — Courtney Jerome

In Celebration of Olivia de Havilland’s 100th Birthday

KELLY HOFMAN

Each year, Amanda Danielson, proprietress of Traverse City’s beloved restaurants Trattoria Stella and The Franklin, creates a signature Traverse City Film Festival cocktail to be batched out at the Filmmaker’s Lounge.

Amanda’s 2016 cocktail creation was inspired by the July 1, 100th birthday of Olivia de Havilland, the lovely starlet who made Gone With the Wind’s Melanie Wilkes (Scarlett’s sister-in-law) famous on the silver screen. Since this is a batch-able cocktail, the amounts are in proportions rather than specific measurements. As Amanda says, “Think punch bowl or empty 2-liters packed in a cooler for the beach!”

Frankly, Amanda, we are damn impressed.

THE OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND (ODH) 6 parts Mammoth Old Dam Gin (Central Lake) 6 parts Wolf Moon Hibiscus (Michigan-made cocktail mixer) 1 part simple syrup 7 parts distilled water 1 fresh mint leaf for every ounce of cocktail Mix all ingredients in a large vessel and chill. It may be served up (if very well-chilled) or on the rocks. A garnish would be gilding the lily.

Beginning July 1, de Havilland’s birthday, The Franklin and Trattoria Stella will be mixing up a whole menu of cocktails based on her movie roles, including this cocktail. For the menu, go to MyNorth.com > recipes and search deHavilland.

COURTESY OF TRAVERSE, NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S MAGAZINE

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122 Cass St. Traverse City 231•929•0340 mysecretstash.com F4

MYNORTH.COM

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FILMGOER

FRESH IN TOWN FOR 2016 One stylish new hotel, two new fashion boutiques, and, count ’em, eight new eateries.

Investigate the fresh changes since last year’s fest. All right downtown.

HOTEL INDIGO 263 W. GRANDVIEW PKWY. An eclectic, contemporary hotel décor channels Traverse City’s roots, while windows deliver spectac views of the water.

The rooftop bar—say yes.

Mama Lu's

FLEA 238 EAST FRONT ST. Find tulle skirts, florals, and patterned blouses at this bright and finely curated shop right across the street from the State Theatre. (Accessories and beauty products, too) PINK ANCHOR 121 EAST FRONT STREET, SUITE 103 Explore a select collection of designers from around the United States including Julie Brown, Malabar Bay and Gretchen Scott.

Owner Jennifer Okragleski carefully culls fun and colorful pieces.

GAIJIN 136 E. FRONT ST. Japanese beer, whiskey, and saké complement a menu of traditional Japanese ramen, dumplings, and bao buns.

ALLIANCE 144 HALL ST., #107 Inventive flavors and masterful technique have made the menu here an instant hit. The actual alliance: James Beard awardee Pete Peterson and young all-star chef James Bloomfield.

THE SHED BEER GARDEN 423 S. UNION ST. An outdoor beer garden with a restored 1955 Chevrolet beer truck pouring local brews and a food truck serving up sliders.

TAPROOT CIDER HOUSE 300 E. FRONT ST. #104 Explore an expansive selection of ciders bolstered with a food menu built with organic and local produce, gluten-free, and vegan options.

Flea

H&L SOCIAL AT HOTEL INDIGO Elevator up to the hottest new rooftop bar in the city. Well-crafted cocktails and small plates from Warehouse KiTChen + Cork adorn the menu.

KELLY HOFMAN

MAMA LU’S 149 E. FRONT ST. Handmade tortillas, modern garnishes, and six featured tacos are found on Mama Lu’s Mexican menu. A margarita on the side?

Yes, please!

SPARKS BBQ 439 E. FRONT ST. Began as a food truck and now has a permanent restaurant location. Tasty!

PRESS ON JUICE 134 E. FRONT ST. Opened a second TC location. Quality ingredients. Healthy!

— Courtney Jerome

COURTESY OF TRAVERSE, NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S MAGAZINE

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Hotel Indigo

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— DOWNTOWN OUTDOOR DINING — Good Food. Local Ingredients.

A Fresh Atmosphere.

— WELCOME FILM FESTIVAL PATRONS —

203 Cass Street, Traverse City • 231.929.0900 www.TheTownePlaza.com

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MYNORTH.COM

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FILMGOER

RED HOT BEST EAT SPOTS Every year during our Red Hot Best contest, thousands of voters weigh in on their favorite eateries, bars and much more all over Northern Michigan. Here’s a sampling of top vote-getters—venues and menu offerings our voters love in downtown Traverse City. Keep it handy when you are out and about at the Traverse City Film Festival!

CARRYOUT MARY’S KITCHEN PORT, GOBBLER SANDWICH, 539 W. Front St., Traverse City, 231.941.0525, maryskitchenport.com Mary's Kitchen Port, Gobbler Sandwich

SLABTOWN BURGERS, SLABTOWN SPECIAL BURGER, 826 W. Front St., Traverse City, 231.932.1760, slabtownburgers.com SPANGLISH, TACOS, 1333 Yellow Dr., Traverse City, 231.943.1453, spanglishtc.com

BEST NEW RESTAURANTS SMOKE & PORTER PUBLIC HOUSE, 1752 US31, Traverse City, 231.642.5020, FB MCGEE’S NO. 72, 4341 M72, Williamsburg, 231.421.8800, FB HOP LOT BREWING COMPANY, Suttons Bay, 658 S. West Bay Shore Dr., Suttons Bay, 231.866.4445, hoplotbrewing.com

LUNCH VENUES AMICAL, 229 E. Front St., Traverse City, 231.941.8888, amical.com CENTRE STREET CAFÉ, 1125 Centre St., Traverse City, 231.946.5872, FB BUBBA’S RESTAURANT AND BAR, 428 E. Front St., Traverse City, 231.995.0570, tcbubbas.com

RESTAURANTS WITH A VIEW TOP: TODD ZAWISTOWSKI; BOTTOM: KELLY HOFMAN

BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT, Old Mission, 14039 Peninsula Dr., Traverse City, 231.223.4030, boathouseonwestbay.com APACHE TROUT, Traverse City, 13671 S. West Bay Shore Dr., Traverse City, 231.947.7079, apachetroutgrill.com AERIE, GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT, 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd., Acme, 231.534.6800, grandtraverseresort.com

PLACES TO DINE OUTSIDE LITTLE FLEET, 448 E. Front St., Traverse City, 231.943.1116, thelittlefleet.com APACHE TROUT GRILL, Traverse City, 13671 S. West Bay Shore Dr., Traverse City, 231.947.7079, apachetroutgrill.com AMICAL, Traverse City, 229 E. Front St., Traverse City, 231.941.8888, amical.com COURTESY OF TRAVERSE, NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S MAGAZINE

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Little Fleet

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Award-winning Intermissions 445 e front st • traverse city

231.642.5333 • sweettartlette.com

Serving high-end, seasonal pastries and confections using local ingredients

SPECIALIZING IN CLASSIC LITERATURE, MODERN FICTION, MYSTERY, POETRY AND AUTOGRAPHED EDITIONS

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

SHOP · TASTE · EXPLORE

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

WE ALSO SELL AND SERVICE MANUAL TYPEWRITERS

TOY HARBOR

VISIT US in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons 806 Red Drive, Ste. 150 • Traverse City • 231.922.9009 Free tour & tasting Fridays at 2 PM Call for reservation

highergroundstrading.com

OPEN NITES TIL 9 SUNDAYS 11-5

Great Eateries · Wineries · Shops WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY

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DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY • 231-946-1131

W 11th Public Park

DI V I S IO N

SILVER

Hiking Trails

EVIEW

G COTTA

Public Park

ELMWOOD

Munson Medical Center

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STATE

DOWNTOWN THEATRE

W FRONT

*COH

*

W 7th LARS W 8th *

W 14th

The Village is a “pocket of cool in Traverse City.”

— Forbes Magazine

TRAVERSE CITY’S PREMIER

MARKET & W I N E S H OP -

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424 W Front St. Traverse City 231.941.7651 folgarellis.net

800 Cottageview Dr. (take 11th to Silver) 2 blks West of Division/US31, Traverse City www.thevillagetc.com or call The Minervini Group: 231-941-1900

MYNORTH.COM

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FILMGOER

TASTINGS BETWEEN MOVIES BRENGMAN BROTHERS: 9720 S. Center Hwy., Traverse City, 231.946.2764, brengmanbrothers.com

WINERIES OF OLD MISSION PENINSULA

SHADY LANE CELLARS: 9580 E. Shady Ln., Suttons Bay, 231.947.8865, shadylanecellars.com

BLACK STAR FARMS OLD MISSION: 360 McKinley Rd. E., 231.944.1300, blackstarfarms.com

CHATEAU DE LEELANAU: 5048 S. West Bayshore Dr., Suttons Bay, 231.271.8888, chateaudeleelanau.com

BONOBO WINERY: 12011 Center Rd., 231.282.9463, bonobowinery.com

WILLOW VINEYARDS: 10702 E. Hilltop Rd., Suttons Bay, 231.271.4810, willowvineyardwine.com

BOWERS HARBOR: 2896 Bowers Harbor Rd., 800.616.7615, bowersharbor.com

CICCONE VINEYARD & WINERY: 10343 E. Hilltop Rd., Suttons Bay, 231.271.5553, cicconevineyard.com

BRYS ESTATE: 3309 Blue Water Rd., 231.223.9303, brysestate.com

L. MAWBY: 4519 S. Elm Valley Rd., Suttons Bay, 231.271.3522, lmawby.com

CHATEAU CHANTAL: 15900 Rue De Vin, 800.969.4009, chateauchantal.com

BLACK STAR FARMS WINERY & SPIRITS: 10844 Revold Rd., Suttons Bay, 231.944.1270, blackstarfarms.com

CHATEAU GRAND TRAVERSE: 12239 Center Rd., 231.223.7355, cgtwines.com

MICROBREWERIES

HAWTHORNE VINEYARDS: 1000 Camino Maria Dr., 231.929.4206, hawthornevineyards.com

THE FILLING STATION: 642 Railroad Pl., Traverse City, 231.946.8168, thefillingstationmicrobrewery.com

PENINSULA CELLARS: 11480 Center Rd., 231.223.4050, peninsulacellars.com

WORKSHOP: 221 Garland St., Traverse City, 231.421.8977, traversecityworkshop.com

TWO LADS: 16985 Smokey Hollow Rd., 231.223.7722, 2lwinery.com

BREWERY FERMENT: 511 S. Union St., Traverse City, 231.735.8113, breweryferment.com

MARI VINEYARDS: 8175 Center Rd., 231.715.1013, marivineyards.com

NORTH PEAK: 400 W. Front St., Traverse City, 231.941.7325, northpeak.net

WINERIES IN TRAVERSE CITY

MACKINAW BREWING CO.: 161 E. Front St., Traverse City, 231.933.1100, mackinacbrewing.com

CHERRY REPUBLIC: 154 E. Front St., 231.932.9205, cherryrepublic.com

RAREBIRD BREW PUB: 229 Lake Ave., Traverse City, 231.943.2053, rarebirdbrewpub.com

LEFT FOOT CHARLEY: 806 Red Dr. #100, 231.995.0500, leftfootcharley.com KELLY HOFMAN

WINERIES OF LEELANAU PENINSULA ALONG WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY

With two distilleries and dozens of wineries and breweries in or near Traverse City, taking in a bit of tasting between movies is a cinch.

Here’s your guide:

TASTE OF BLACK STAR FARMS: 800 Cottage View Dr., 231.944.1349; 360 McKinley Rd. E., 231.944.1300, blackstarfarms.com ROVE ESTATE WINERY: 7007 East Traverse Highway, Traverse City, 231.421.7001, roveestate.com

DISTILLERIES GRAND TRAVERSE DISTILLERY: 215 E. Front St., Traverse City, 231.946.1259, grandtraversedistillery.com TRAVERSE CITY WHISKEY CO.: 201 E. Fourteenth St., Traverse City, tcwhiskey.com

COURTESY OF TRAVERSE, NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S MAGAZINE

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GOT LAND?

Acreage - Camp or Build - EZ Financing!

$49,900, $3,500 down, $425/mo.

Starting at $34,900, $3,000 down, $350/mo.

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Starting at $34,900, $2,500 down, $325/mo. $17,900, $1,500 down, $200/mo.

$49,900, $3,500 down, $425/mo.

Wood Road

$34,900, $3,000 down, $350/mo.

$29,900, $2,500 down, $300/mo. $29,900, $2,500 down, $300/mo.

“Wood Road�

Grand Traverse Paradise Twp.

$49,900, $3,000 down, $350/mo.

10 acres very private quiet area perfect for Up North getaway. $34,900, $2,500 down, $325/mo.

$89,900, $10,000 down, $650/mo.

greatlakesland.net

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$49,900, $3,500 down, $425/mo.

Specializing in recreational and rural land development since 1990

231-633-6449

7/1/16 2:22 PM

FILMGOER

RESTAURANTS YOU CAN WALK TO

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Fabulous, fresh, innovative eateries abound within walking distance of the downtown Traverse City Film Festival venues. After the final credits roll, check the possibilities in our handy list of nearby restaurants. We promise you won’t go hungry!

o.

BLD: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner $: Entrées under $10 $$: $10–20 $$$: Above $20

o.

AMICAL: Friendly French bistro with a bay view, fireplace and street patio. Prix fixe menu from 4–5:30pm. Sun. brunch. LD • BAR • $$-$$$ 229 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.941.8888

BISTRO FOU FOU: Chef Guillaume HazaëlMassieux brings his country French cooking downtown. LD • $$-$$$ 118 CASS ST., TRAVERSE

o.

CITY, 231.421.6583

BLUE HERON 2: Local ingredients used in homemade bread and soup and other scratch dishes.

BL • $ 408 UNION ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.778.2583 BLUE TRACTOR COOK SHOP: An Old Town favorite with from-scratch farmer food. Be sure to check out The Shed next door. The comfy burger bar boasts a list of over 25 Michigancrafted beers. LD • BAR • $-$$ 423 UNION ST.,

o.

TRAVERSE CITY, 231.922.9515

BREW CAFÉ AND BAR: Hip spot for a drink and light meal. BLD • $ 108 E. FRONT STREET, TRAVERSE CITY, 231.946.2739

BUBBA’S: Happening Front Street spot with battered mahi and chips, burgers, chimis, salads, tacos. BLD • BAR • $ 428 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE

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CHEZ PERES AND PATISSERIE AMIE: French bakery and bistro. BAR • LD • $-$$$ 237 LAKE

KELLY HOFMAN

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CITY, 231.995.0570

THE DISH CAFE: Salads, quesadillas, enormous wraps, sandwiches and smoothies. LD • $ 108 S.

PAESANO’S: Charming spot with cozy booths puts pizza pie on a pedestal. LD • $ 447 E. FRONT

FIREFLY: A dazzling small-plate menu, sushi, steaks and burgs at a sophisticated hotspot on the river. BL • $-$$ 310 S. CASS ST., TRAVERSE CITY,

PANGEA’S PIZZA PUB: Cozy booths for sharing pies made with golden crusts and a world of inventive toppings (beets, chorizo, cilantro, prosciutto, pecans …) LD • BAR $-$$ 135 E. FRONT ST.,

UNION, TRAVERSE CITY, 231.932.2233

231.932.1310

FOLGARELLI’S MARKET & WINE SHOP: Lunch & dinner (eat here or to go). LD • BAR • $-$$ 424 W. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.941.7651

THE FRANKLIN: Hip new downtown eatery featuring flatbread, salads, lamb and beef burgers, bistro dinners. LD • BAR • $-$$ 160 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.943.2727

GEORGINA’S: Asian and Latin taqueria. LD • $

POPPYCOCK’S: Fresh seafood, pasta, unique sandwiches and salads, including vegetarian specialties and award-winning desserts. LD • BAR • $-$$ 128. E. FRONT ST. TRAVERSE CITY, 231.941.7632

RED GINGER: Wrap yourself in fresh-sleek surroundings and the spicy-exotic flavors of Asia.

D • BAR • $-$$$ 237 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY,

231.944.1733

THE GREEN HOUSE CAFÉ: Sandwiches, soups and salads. BL • $ 115 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE

SCALAWAGS WHITEFISH AND CHIPS: A new location for ultra-fresh Great Lakes fish fry. LD • $

CITY, 231.929.7687

303 E. STATE ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.933.8700

GRAND TRAVERSE PIE CO.: Exceptional cream and fruit pies, coffee, baked goods, pot pies, chicken salad and quiche. BL • $ 525 W.

FRONT ST. AND 101 N. PARK ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.922.7437

HARVEST: Small, local foods hip spot in the alley behind Front Street. LD • $ 131 E. STATE ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.486.6037

LITTLE FLEET: A bar/food truck compound that rocks. LD • BAR • $ 448 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.943.1116

MACKINAW BREWING CO.: Nautical-themed brewpub offers great house-smoked meats, several styles of beers, tasty char-burgers, fish and ribs. LD • BAR • $$ 161 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 933.1100

MAMA LU’S MODERN DAY TACO SHOP: Fresh tortillas with a mix of traditional and modern ingredients at this hip, fun taqueria and bar.

LD • BAR • $$ 149 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY,

231.943.2793

MILK & HONEY: Salads, sandwiches and homemade ice cream all made with local ingredients that are natural. Gluten-free options available.

LD • BAR • $ 250 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY,

231.944.1036

THE COOKS’ HOUSE: A sweet little dollhouse of a spot, home to sustainable local cuisine with a French sensibility. LD • $$-$$$ 115 WELLINGTON

MODE’S BUM STEER: Classic steakhouse serves tender, well-aged charbroiled Black Angus steaks, seafood, ribs, soup, sandwiches. LD • BAR • $$ 125 E. STATE ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.947.9832

GAIJIN: Japanese eatery serving legit ramen, bao buns and craft sakés. LD • BAR • $$ 136 EAST

OMELETTE SHOPPE: Vast array of omelets, homemade breads and pastries, soup and sandwiches. BLD • $ 124 CASS AND 1209 E. FRONT ST.,

FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.421.5466

TRAVERSE CITY, 231.946.9800

236 E. FRONT STREET, TRAVERSE CITY, 231.943.1555

AVE., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.922.9645

ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.946.8700

ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.941.5740

SEVEN MONKS TAPROOM: Pair any of 46 beers on tap (including European Trappist ales) with your burger, thin crust gourmet pizza, salad or lively sides like sweet potato frites and Scotch egg. LD • BAR • $-$$ 128 S. UNION ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.929.4807

SPARKS BBQ: Smoking up the real thing—pulled pork and chicken, brisket, ribs and jerky. Don’t miss the BBQ Sundae. LD • $-$$ 439 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.633.7800

SORELLINA: Authentic Italian from Antipasta to pasta. D • BAR • $$-$$$

120 S. PARK ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.421.5912

STATE STREET GRILLE DOWNTOWN: Traverse City sports bar featuring 11 big screens, bang bang shrimp, steaks, lobster mac and cheese, local beer, wine and spirits. LD • $-$$

221 E. STATE ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.947.4263

TAPROOT CIDER HOUSE: Brick oven pizza, great salads, inventive entrees paired with hard cider, microbrews, wine and spirits. LD • BAR • $-$$ 300 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.943.2500

THE TOWNE PLAZA: Eclectic American cuisine focusing on local ingredients with extensive outdoor seating and a casual atmosphere. BLD • BAR • $-$$$ 202 E. CASS ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.929.0900

UNION TAP AND GRILL: American pub classics.

LD • BAR • $-$$ 127 UNION ST., TRAVERSE CITY,

231.421.1663

WHITE ON RICE: Sushi & ramen served carry out or dine in. Text or call ahead for orders. LD • $-$$ 510 W. 14TH ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.633.7423

TRAVERSE CITY, 231.946.0912 AND 231.946.0590

COURTESY OF TRAVERSE, NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S MAGAZINE

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FILMGOER

Get to know the filmmakers and fellow filmgoers at these parties, bar nights and panels.

PARTIES OPENING NIGHT PARTY Tuesday, July 26, 8:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m.

Front Street shuts down for music, dancing, stars, and the best food and drinks Traverse City has to offer. $50 THE WOZ PARTY Wednesday, July 27, 6–9 p.m.

The festival's newest venue, The Woz at Hotel Indigo, is all the buzz. Check out cutting-edge technology and the latest in storytelling. Free

You know the guy at the movies who loudly spouts off about what he thinks? That’s Doug Benson—and he’s made a career of it. Every year, the comedian hosts the “Benson Movie Interruption” at the Traverse City Film Festival, where older features such as Road House come under the fire of his sharp wit. We talked to Benson about his act and the 2016 festival.

Your interrupting bit is unique in the comedy world. What was the inspiration?

I spent years standing in the back of comedy clubs while I was waiting my turn, and I'd make jokes with the other comics while we watched. Eventually I thought, "Why not make my running commentary part of the show?"

What prompted you to start interrupting movies instead of comedians?

A movie theater in Los Angeles asked F12

me if I wanted to present a film or do stand-up, but I thought it would be fun to makes jokes during a film as it unspooled. I thought it should be completely improvised and that I wouldn't interrupt bad movies exclusively.

What’s your favorite film that you’ve lampooned in the “Benson Movie Interruption?”

We did Top Gun at the TCFF one time, and boy was that a lot of fun!

What films are you anticipating most at the festival this year?

I'm just going to show up and watch movies that I know little or nothing° about and just go for the ride. Michael and the folks he works with have excellent taste in movies.

Outside of the festival, what’s your favorite thing to do in downtown Traverse City?

[The] best place to meet me, if meeting me is something you want to do, is to catch me between movies at U & I Lounge.

— Nitish Pahwah

CLOSING NIGHT BASH Sunday, July 31, 7–9:45 p.m.

This family-friendly Frozen party is set to be the event of the summer. Live music, games, an icy photo booth, Arendelle's bounce castle, reindeer treats and more. Free

OFFICIAL FILMMAKER BAR NIGHTS Hang out with the filmmakers at these local watering holes. Meet up: • Wednesday, 7 Monks & Low Bar • Thursday, The Little Fleet • Friday, The Parlor

PANELS Join filmmakers from around the world as they share industry secrets, stories and tips. These free events begin at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday–Sunday, City Opera House.

COURTESY OF TCFF

DOUG BENSON Q&A

FILMMAKER PARTY Saturday, July 30, 8:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m.

Immerse in the f the founders present this year's awards. Celebrate with food, drinks and entertainment on the corner of State and Park Streets, Century 21 parking lot. $50

MYNORTH.COM

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GOLF SPA SHOP DINE CASINO

GET UP AND GO Summer feels good on the skin…like freshwater waves gracing the sand.

The paradise of Northern Michigan is more than a pristine beach, a day at the spa, or wine tasting with friends. More than an early morning tee time, an emerging food scene, or Vegas-style gaming. It’s having all of those things at your fingertips. You won’t believe it if you haven’t seen it.

Get up and go at GrandTraverseResort.com.

#gtresort Owned and Operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians

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