Moore's golden touch works its magic on his Michigan film fest

BY JOHN MONAGHAN • FREE PRESS SPECIAL WRITER • July 27, 2008 Michael Moore may be the happiest man in Michigan right now -- and with good reason. The outspoken Oscar winner and part-time Traverse City resident has had the Midas touch since launching the Traverse City Film Festival three summers ago. Skeptical residents who thought Moore would turn the event into a left-wing sounding board now credit him with giving the area's economy a year-round boost. The festival kicks off Tuesday with the Midwest premiere of Woody Allen's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," starring Scarlett Johansson and Javier Bardem. It's one of more than 80 films screening through Aug. 3 at six indoor and outdoor venues. Last year, after drawing nearly 80,000 viewers, the festival took control of the historic State Theatre downtown and reopened it in November... [read full story]