We get a timely update on the Traverse City Film Festival
Posted by John Ester
on Jul 17, 2012
Co-founder of the Traverse City Film Festival John Robert Williams discussed the restoration of the State Theater and the growth of the Film Festival.
Opened in 1916 as the Alert Theater and rebuilt in 1948-1949 after two fires, the State Theater was acquired by the non-profit Film Festival in 2007 from Rotary Charities. Part of the deal was that the Theater was committed to be open for so many days in 2007. The 1st Film Festival was set for November 17, 2007, and the Theater and Festival met that deadline even though they were pouring concrete on November 10th!
Today the State Theater is top of the line. From the projectors to the sound system to the seats, everything is state of the art, and the theater is among the top five in the world. The Film Festival has been equally successful, enjoying a 10% growth each year.
In addition to hosting the highly popular Festival, the State Theater carries films throughout the year and has been the #1 ticket-selling theater in the nation. It also carries the Metropolitan Opera and sponsors a number of special events, including free programs. Now it is assisting the City of Manistee with the renovation of its Vogue Theater.
Today the State Theater is top of the line. From the projectors to the sound system to the seats, everything is state of the art, and the theater is among the top five in the world. The Film Festival has been equally successful, enjoying a 10% growth each year.
In addition to hosting the highly popular Festival, the State Theater carries films throughout the year and has been the #1 ticket-selling theater in the nation. It also carries the Metropolitan Opera and sponsors a number of special events, including free programs. Now it is assisting the City of Manistee with the renovation of its Vogue Theater.