TRAVERSE CITY FILM FESTIVAL RELEASES 2018 PROGRAM MARKING A SUPREME 14th YEAR
OPENING NIGHT: RBG
with co-director Betsy West in-person
with co-director Betsy West in-person
CENTERPIECE: HEARTS BEAT LOUD
CLOSING NIGHT: BURDEN
In-Attendance at TCFF 2018: Dick Cavett (Ali & Cavett: The Tale of the Tapes), Tribeca-winning director Kent Jones (Diane), two-time Oscar® winning director Barbara Kopple (A Murder in Mansfield), comedian Doug Benson presents his film pick of the festival as well as his live audience podcast, and dozens of filmmakers, cast members, and other notables! Plus festival founder, president, and programmer Michael Moore!
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North American premiere of Mark Cousins’ Cannes film The Eyes of Orson Welles
World premiere of Slater Jewell-Kemker’s short subject documentary Youth Unstoppable, from Executive Producer Adrian Grenier
World premiere of Dawn Porter’s short subject documentary You Have the Right to Vote
U.S. premiere of Jim Button and Luke the Engine Driver, starring Shirley MaClaine
Michigan films include The Sentence and The Russian Five
A Tribute to Jonathan Demme
Previously announced: Jane Fonda to receive the Lifetime Acheivement Award from Michael Moore
Festival trailer: https://vimeo.com/
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Festival trailer: https://vimeo.com/
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TCFF 2018 FESTIVAL PROGRAM (TEXT VERSION)
The printable PDF version of the complete festival guide is here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/
The printable PDF version of the complete festival guide is here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/
Visit: http://www.TCFF.org for all other information.
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OPENING NIGHT
RBG
Directed by Julie Cohen, Betsy West
If you’re suffering from superhero fatigue, then we have the movie for you—2018’s actual best superhero flick, a revealing and exciting portrayal of the Notorious RBG herself, Ruth Bader Ginsburg! Since Justice Ginsburg joined the Supreme Court in 1993, she’s become famous for two things: her fierce dissenting opinions and the constant push-up workouts that sustain her vitality. And yes, you’ll see both of those here. But RBG also presents a compelling story of a woman who has fought a tireless, six-decade crusade for gender equality, and how her successes in that arena have made her a cult superstar to generations of people pining for progress. Plus, you just haven’t known real delight until you see Justice Ginsburg watch and giggle along to Kate McKinnon portraying her on Saturday Night Live. In Person: Director Betsy West and other guests TBA.
Directed by Julie Cohen, Betsy West
If you’re suffering from superhero fatigue, then we have the movie for you—2018’s actual best superhero flick, a revealing and exciting portrayal of the Notorious RBG herself, Ruth Bader Ginsburg! Since Justice Ginsburg joined the Supreme Court in 1993, she’s become famous for two things: her fierce dissenting opinions and the constant push-up workouts that sustain her vitality. And yes, you’ll see both of those here. But RBG also presents a compelling story of a woman who has fought a tireless, six-decade crusade for gender equality, and how her successes in that arena have made her a cult superstar to generations of people pining for progress. Plus, you just haven’t known real delight until you see Justice Ginsburg watch and giggle along to Kate McKinnon portraying her on Saturday Night Live. In Person: Director Betsy West and other guests TBA.
CENTERPIECE
HEARTS BEAT LOUD
Directed by Brett Haley
Let’s be honest: starting a band with your dad sounds pretty lame. At least that’s what Sam (Kiersey Clemons) thinks when her hipster dad, Frank (Nick Offerman), suggests she join his weekly “jam seshes.” A one-time musician with lingering dreams of stardom and a failing record store, Frank just wants to stay connected with Sam before she flies from Brooklyn to study pre-med at UCLA. When he secretly uploads one of their songs to a streaming service, it becomes an unexpected hit and this unlikely father-daughter duo kick-start a musical journey of discovery, growing up, and letting go. Everyone's favorite woodworker, Nick Offerman, gives a truly heartfelt performance, and Kiersey Clemons shows she’s a damn rock star in this endearingly sweet comedy that is the perfect summer bop. Scheduled to Appear via Skype: Director Brett Haley.
Directed by Brett Haley
Let’s be honest: starting a band with your dad sounds pretty lame. At least that’s what Sam (Kiersey Clemons) thinks when her hipster dad, Frank (Nick Offerman), suggests she join his weekly “jam seshes.” A one-time musician with lingering dreams of stardom and a failing record store, Frank just wants to stay connected with Sam before she flies from Brooklyn to study pre-med at UCLA. When he secretly uploads one of their songs to a streaming service, it becomes an unexpected hit and this unlikely father-daughter duo kick-start a musical journey of discovery, growing up, and letting go. Everyone's favorite woodworker, Nick Offerman, gives a truly heartfelt performance, and Kiersey Clemons shows she’s a damn rock star in this endearingly sweet comedy that is the perfect summer bop. Scheduled to Appear via Skype: Director Brett Haley.
CLOSING NIGHT
BURDEN
Directed by Andrew Heckler
We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring you Sundance 2018’s US Dramatic Audience Award winner, joining such esteemed company as all-time TCFF faves The Sessions and Fruitvale Station. This unbelievably powerful true story stars Garrett Hedlund (Mudbound, TRON: Legacy) as Mike Burden, a man raised within the disgusting indoctrination of the South Carolina KKK, but moved to purge the hatred from his life when he falls in love with a single mom (Andrea Riseborough, also at TCFF 2018 with Nancy). The incredible supporting cast features Tom Wilkinson as the menacing father figure of the local Klan group, Forest Whitaker as the preacher that takes Mike in, and Usher—yes, that Usher—as one of Mike’s coworkers. Burden is not only one of the best acted films you’ll see this year, but it’s a film that looks straight into the heart of our darkness and offers a beacon of hope and inspiration at a time we sorely need it. In Person: Director Andrew Heckler.
Directed by Andrew Heckler
We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring you Sundance 2018’s US Dramatic Audience Award winner, joining such esteemed company as all-time TCFF faves The Sessions and Fruitvale Station. This unbelievably powerful true story stars Garrett Hedlund (Mudbound, TRON: Legacy) as Mike Burden, a man raised within the disgusting indoctrination of the South Carolina KKK, but moved to purge the hatred from his life when he falls in love with a single mom (Andrea Riseborough, also at TCFF 2018 with Nancy). The incredible supporting cast features Tom Wilkinson as the menacing father figure of the local Klan group, Forest Whitaker as the preacher that takes Mike in, and Usher—yes, that Usher—as one of Mike’s coworkers. Burden is not only one of the best acted films you’ll see this year, but it’s a film that looks straight into the heart of our darkness and offers a beacon of hope and inspiration at a time we sorely need it. In Person: Director Andrew Heckler.
FRIENDS SCREENINGS
AMATEURS
Directed by Gabriela Pichler
Times are tough in the quaint Swedish hamlet of Lafors. The main industries of the once prosperous town are barely hanging on and in need of a serious economic boost. Enter the Wal-Mart-esque chain Superbilly and their plans to open a new location, maybe in Lafors. The cash-strapped town council’s big idea to set them apart? Inviting local high schoolers armed with selfie sticks to make a promotional video. When they realize the teens may not be quite up to the task, plans are scrapped. But two participants from very different immigrant families, Aida and Dana, take the mission to heart and continue to capture the reality of their changing multicultural community and its underrepresented voices to hilarious and poignant effect. With an effortless charm and infectious DIY spirit, this irresistible social comedy is a warm reminder of the wonderful things that happen when people tell their own stories.
Directed by Gabriela Pichler
Times are tough in the quaint Swedish hamlet of Lafors. The main industries of the once prosperous town are barely hanging on and in need of a serious economic boost. Enter the Wal-Mart-esque chain Superbilly and their plans to open a new location, maybe in Lafors. The cash-strapped town council’s big idea to set them apart? Inviting local high schoolers armed with selfie sticks to make a promotional video. When they realize the teens may not be quite up to the task, plans are scrapped. But two participants from very different immigrant families, Aida and Dana, take the mission to heart and continue to capture the reality of their changing multicultural community and its underrepresented voices to hilarious and poignant effect. With an effortless charm and infectious DIY spirit, this irresistible social comedy is a warm reminder of the wonderful things that happen when people tell their own stories.
SKID ROW MARATHON
Directed by Mark Hayes
Judge Craig Mitchell is the definition of inspirational. By day he presides over a criminal court for Los Angeles County, but by early morning (like 4 am early)—he trades his judicial garb for tennis shoes and running shorts as he jogs the darkened streets of L.A. among the people who call Skid Row home. He's not running alone, however, because each morning he is joined by a group of addicts, ex-cons, and criminals as they all train to run marathons. Skid Row Marathon follows the individual stories of four runners as they fight against poverty and addiction to run marathons around the world. This film is about more than just running marathons, though, it’s about the comradeship of a group of people who receive a second chance. Ultimately, it’s a tear-inducing, hopeful, and illuminating film that asks its audience to look at the world from a different angle.
Directed by Mark Hayes
Judge Craig Mitchell is the definition of inspirational. By day he presides over a criminal court for Los Angeles County, but by early morning (like 4 am early)—he trades his judicial garb for tennis shoes and running shorts as he jogs the darkened streets of L.A. among the people who call Skid Row home. He's not running alone, however, because each morning he is joined by a group of addicts, ex-cons, and criminals as they all train to run marathons. Skid Row Marathon follows the individual stories of four runners as they fight against poverty and addiction to run marathons around the world. This film is about more than just running marathons, though, it’s about the comradeship of a group of people who receive a second chance. Ultimately, it’s a tear-inducing, hopeful, and illuminating film that asks its audience to look at the world from a different angle.
