The Pulice Report

U-M hosting special events during 50th Ann Arbor Film Festival

In conjunction with the opening night of the 50th Ann Arbor Film Festival, I wrote a piece last night on my Examiner.com page about the University of Michigan's ongoing involvement with this peerless celebration of independent and experimental film. Please check out the article, and then make plans to attend AAFF, which I've always found a riveting experience. In the spirit of full disclosure, I need to point out that my wife is a photographer at the event for the second straight year. 

To learn more about the festival, read a post from earlier this month and an interview I conducted with AAFF Executive Director, Donald Harrison (pictured left), in 2009.

50th Ann Arbor Film Festival

The Ann Arbor Film Festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and this year's magnificent schedule is now available. Check out the details on AAFF's events calendar, and get yourself ready for six days of creative genius, March 27-April 1. In addition to all the enticing content on the festival website, read an engaging conversation between Executive Director Donald Harrison and blogger Mark Maynard. 

It's easy to purchase tickets and passes online, and to keep the celebration going at the energetic afterparties the festival will host each night. Keep track of everything AAFF on Vimeo, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr, and see you in Ann Arbor soon.       

48th Ann Arbor Film Festival

One of the premier cultural events in Michigan, the Ann Arbor Film Festival -- which runs Tuesday, March 23 through Sunday, March 28 -- is set to begin its 48th annual presentation of independent and experimental film, the longest-running gathering of its kind in North America. On Tuesday, the popular opening night reception kicks off the proceedings, inside the Michigan Theatre, from 6-8pm. Following will be the initial festival screening, a collection of short films designed to offer audiences a vivid snapshot of the creativity that will ensue over the next five days.

Themed programs and special guests abound on a highlights-filled schedule, which also includes panels, lectures, and after-parties. Each of this year's acclaimed jurors has their own presentation (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 1pm), and will choose what they deem the best films of the 2010 festival, to whom awards will be given in two programs that close out the festival on Sunday night.

As was true of the 2009 AAFF, I had the pleasure to work as a volunteer pre-screener, helping Executive Director Donald Harrison and his top-flight staff pore through 2,500 submissions from visionary filmmakers across the U.S. and around the world. 170 films representing more than 20 countries made the final cut, and include animation, narrative works, music videos, documentaries, experimental visuals, and more. I interviewed Harrison before last year's event, a conversation that explores such topics as his vision for the festival and what first-time attendees can expect.

Ticket information is available on the festival's magnificent, interactive Web site. as are details about AAFF membership, and much more. Hope to see you in Ann Arbor this week.

Michigan Creatives - First Anniversary

One year ago today, February 4, 2009, I founded Michigan Creatives, "A place for those in Michigan's creative industry, whether as an artist, photographer, filmmaker, writer, musician, actor, designer..."

If you've already joined, thank you. If you haven't, please consider signing on today, then tell a fellow creative. It's still early in 2010, and I plan to help our social network grow significantly this year, both in terms of membership and scope. We're now on Facebook.

Look for an announcement about a group event soon. 

Rally: Save the Michigan Film Tax Incentive

Over the past year-and-a-half, Michigan has developed a national reputation as a great place to make films. Well, it seems that some misguided legislators in Lansing want to yank the rug out from underneath this growing state industry, one that has employed thousands of production staff, actors, extras, carpenters, electricians, caterers, etc., on Gran Torino, Whip It!, Betty Anne Waters and so many other big screen offerings. Next Monday, October 26, there will be a rally in Pontiac to save the Michigan Film Tax Incentive so, if possible, please attend.

Michigan Creatives Membership Drive

 

As I've been listening to public radio stations make a push for new members this week during their fundraising drives, I thought it would be a perfect time to ask those of you involved in creative endeavors throughout the Great Lake State to join Michigan Creatives. I founded this social network on the Ning platform in February, and many people that I've known for years -- and some I've met only through it -- have joined. However, I'd like to double membership by the end of 2009, and am planning to become much more active on the network. When you join (it's free), I encourage you to upload portfolio material to your page, invite others to events, blog, chat, et al. It's another way for us to showcase the deep pool of creative talent in our two peninsulas. Thanks in advance.

Arresting Site of the Month, July: Traverse City Film Festival

Not only does it take place in one of the state's most appealing locales, it brings together a diverse suite of indepenent cinema from across the U.S. and around the globe. Tickets go on sale to the general public July 18 for the 5th annual Traverse City Film Festival, which runs July 28-August 2, and which continues to gain momentum as one of the premiere gatherings of its kind. It also boasts a splendid online component, which I've chosen as the "Arresting Site of the Month" for July.

Last year the festival enjoyed more than 80,000 admissions, and founder Michael Moore expects that total to rise in 2009. Check out the film guide, and make plans to attend. As usual, TCFF will be filled with highlights, including a newly restored director's cut of Woodstock (Wavy Gravy himself is slated to be on hand!) in conjunction with the cultural touchstone's 40th anniversary, plus a Kids Festival, free movies each night at dusk, and plenty more. There also are parties and special events galore. Many of the filmmakers will appear, including at the first-ever Traverse City Film Festival Film School, and TCFF will host daily panel discussions. Intrigued? You can get tickets early by becoming a 2009 member of the Friends of the Traverse City Film Festival.

Yet another reason to celebrate the state of Michigan and its numerous cultural offerings.  

Arresting Site of the Month, May: Inside Detroit

Begun in 2005 as a way to educate the public about the state's largest city, an area non-profit operates with the belief that "The more people know about Detroit, the more they love it." I agree completely. Maureen Kearns and Jeanette Pierce are the co-founders of Inside Detroit, a Web site whose compelling mission has inspired me to name its online presence May's "Arresting Site of the Month."

Perhaps the best way to begin your tour of the site is at the Virtual Welcome Center, a directory of Detroit's bars and restaurants, art galleries, living options, and more. This is particularly handy if you're new to the area or have never really explored the city in depth. But it's also a guide for those who have lived here most (or all) of their lives, as there are plenty of new events and developments, and even Motor City regulars are bounds to uncover some hot/cool new destination or valuable piece of information. Once you're physically in town, visit the Downtown Welcome Center, located at 1253 Woodward Ave., open 11am-6pm Monday-Saturday.

The sharp folks at metromode have recently given space in their terrific publication to Pierce, who further details Inside Detroit's mission. Clearly, Pierce and Kearns have a deep passion for the city, as they answer the question: Why Detroit? Also check out the site's numerous and helpful links, sign up for their e-newsletter, and explore the many treasures of the Web site...and of Detroit itself.

NPR's "Remaking Michigan, Retooling Detroit"

Last week, National Public Radio aired the series "Remaking Michigan, Retooling Detroit." I wasn't able to hear these pieces when they aired, but I've gone back to listen, and applaud NPR for their usual in-depth treatment. Hopefully, people around the country were able to get a more accurate sense of the region, as we have what generously can be described as a big screen image problem. All in all, the network covered plenty of ground, and it was a job well done.

2009 Ann Arbor Summer Festival Schedule

Once again, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, running June 12-July 5, has assembled a stellar lineup for its newest season. In addition to all the top-flight music, the festival offers myriad other programs, including kids' activities, workshops, educational events, and more. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Monday, April 27, for such mainstage performances as Los Lobos (with special guest Pistolera), Zap Mama, and the Capitol Steps. Many of the Top of the Park performances, including those from NOMO and Hullabaloo, as well as such movies as Horton Hears a Who! and Sunset Boulevard, are free.

Plan your visit and see you there.