Michael Moore's $5 Movie

http://www.statetheatretc.org/mikes-letter/

...The Bijou is a million-dollar gift to the City and community from the Traverse City Film Festival, its 3,000 members and individual donors, not to mention the very large donation from Richard and Diana Milock and the crucial support of the Bijou Founders. Together we saved and restored a dilapidated, leaking, asbestos-filled, graffiti-strewn building that had sat empty for years and was costing taxpayer dollars to maintain each year. The building, thanks to the film festival, now has a new roof, all new heating and cooling systems, fire suppression, and brand new restrooms. It is now asbestos-free and graffiti-free, and accessible. All permanent improvements — and at zero cost to the City.

And here’s the kicker — we don’t own it! This literally IS a gift to the City. TCFF is a nonprofit organization, and we’ve signed a management agreement with the City to operate the Bijou. But unlike the State (which we own outright), the Bijou’s building (known as the Con Foster building) is owned by the City...

...So, while we’ve been fixing things up, we’ve also been testing things out by showing movies and holding community-wide get-togethers. Just this week a Glen Lake high school class was here to see a movie, and next week more students will be in to experience the magic of the movies.

Tonight, though, is something special. For the next five weekends, beginning today, we’re inviting you to our “dress rehearsal” so you can come and watch some of the best and most popular movies of all time! This way, we’ll get to try out the equipment, test the popcorn, and see what you think.

It all begins tonight with “Gone with the Wind.”

There’s one show tonight at 6:45 pm, two shows tomorrow (Saturday) at 2 pm and 6:45 pm, plus one matinee on Sunday at 2 pm. And admission is only five dollars! Be among the first people ever to step into the Bijou and watch a great movie this weekend.

October 18-20: “Gone with the Wind”
October 25-27: Hitchcock Weekend
November 1-3: “Casablanca”
November 8-10: “Citizen Kane”
November 15-17: Godfather Weekend