ANNUAL REPORT

2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from Michael Moore .......................3What People Say .......................................4A Brief History ...........................................6Programming .............................................8Special Events and Screenings ..................10Education and Engagement ......................12Community Partners .................................13Special Guests ............................................14Summary Financial Data ............................16Board of Directors .....................................18Volunteers ..................................................19Support ......................................................21Gifts and Donations ...................................22

We’ve come a long, long way together since the Traverse City Film Festival began in 2005. Looking down the road from providing a total of 52 screenings that first year, to showing an average of nine screenings per day—one of them free!—just ten years later, drives home the remarkable nature of what we’ve been able to do for the great indigenous American art form of cinema, and for our remarkable community. I’m happy to share the highlights of 2015 in this, our first annual report.

Our audiences come to see movies made around the globe that capture the human experience in transformative ways. These stories move us, enrage and activate us, open our eyes, and just plain entertain us. Thanks to our supporters who come to movies, volunteer, and donate, we can program films not for their blockbuster potential, but because they’re the best, and it’s important they be seen.

This incredible family of contributors also allows us to accomplish a core part of our mission—we were able to offer 30% of our tickets in 2015 at no cost, because we firmly believe one great movie can change you, and that the magic of the movie palace experience must be available to everyone.

We are grateful for the dedication of our volunteers, which fuels our efforts and provides the heartbeat of our organization as we serve over a quarter of a million people annually with world-class film programming and enriching educational programs. And we thank our lucky stars every day for our incredible audiences, second to none for their curiosity, openness, and warm-heartedness.

While we strive to finish up the State’s new sister theater, the Bijou by the Bay, and transition from a young whippersnapper of an organization into a strong, sustainable institution that will serve our community long into the future, we are more grateful for your support than ever before.

We look forward to the incredible things in store for us in 2016!

AN AMAZING RIDE

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President, Founder, ProgrammerMichael Moore

#1 MOVIE THEATER IN THE WORLD- Motion Picture Association of America

“A MIDWEST MOVIE MECCA”-The New York Times

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

THE STATE & BIJOUSelected results from the 2014 Art House Convergence Audience Study

Rating the picture and sound qualityPicture and sound quality excellent/very good: 97%

Rating the programmingQuality of movies is excellent/very good: 97%

Rating the moviegoing experienceCustomer service of staff/volunteers is excellent/very good: 99%Affordability of tickets and concessions is excellent/very good: 95%

Rating the role in the communityServe as anchors in my community: 98%Open up new worlds: 89%Change my life for the better: 82%

THE FILM FESTIVAL“It is a fantastic, culturally rich, transformative, and beautifully organized event.”

“I have had not one, but several, life-changing moments at the TCFF.”

“YOU CAN FEEL THE PASSION.” “The Traverse City Film Festival is the Rock Star rock concert of film festivals. There’s nothing like it!”

“I have been to many, many festivals and this is the best! The very, very best of them!” - Kathryn Altman

“A festival like this is a little slice of paradise.” - Filmmaker David Jannetta

“A six-day cinematic wonderland that celebrates everything we love about the movies.” - President, Founder, and Oscar-Winning Filmmaker Michael Moore

Back to reality tomorrow, albeit an altered one - great films can do that to you. Thank you @TCFF @StateTC - Gary Howe

Whenever I’m back in Traverse City and want to see a movie, I never go to the mall. I hit up either @StateTC or @BijouTC. #keepinItLocal. - Kevin Reeves

Forget about the movie, I’m mesmerized by the enchanted ceiling! - Jamie Innis

I’m waiting patiently to see Mockingjay until it gets to the @StateTC (or @BijouTC). Other theaters in town pale in comparison. - Erin Sloan

@MMFlint thank you, you've created something so special here, you're my hero! Filmmaker Lucy Walker

Age 7 firstdocumentary!!!!Excited! @tcff#missionblue

If film fests were dogs, @TCFF would be choc lab. If they were pies, @ TCFF would be cherry/peach. If clothing, a cardigan sweater. #BestOfMarv & Martin

TWEETBEAT

“I don’t think I’ve ever felt as appreciated as a filmmaker, or maybe even as a human being.” – Filmmaker Arvin Chen

“MOVIES TAKE FLIGHT IN TRAVERSE CITY.”– Actor Brit Marling

“Your festival is one-of-a-kind. I have been to Sundance, New Directors/New Films, Los Angeles Film Fest, CineVegas, Edinburgh, and this is the best!!” – Filmmaker Bob Byington

“I was (and still am) completely stunned by what I witnessed at the festival... I am now a fan for life.” – Actor Michael Murphy

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THE TC FILM FEST, STATE, AND BIJOUA Brief History of

1916 1926 1936 1946 1956 1966 1976 1986 1996 20162006

1916

Lyric burns to the ground and reopens a year later

1923

Lyric Theatre opens1934

Con Foster Museum opens1949

Lyric reopens as the State Theatre

State Theatre twinned by GKC

1978

1996State Theatre shuttered

2006“Borat” world premiere

2016State Theatre turns 100

2008Madonna

2009

Film school and kids fest added to TCFF

2013

The State welcomes its 1 millionth patron, and the Bijou by the Bay opens

2011First Comedy Festival

First Traverse City Film Festival

2005

State Theatre reopens under leadership of Michael Moore

2007

First talkies at the Lyric

1929Lyric burns to the ground again

1948

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PROGRAMMIING

From first run narrative and documentary films to Hollywood classics and live entertainment, we delight in bringing world-class gems to our historic movie palaces. We are extraordinarily fortunate to have Oscar-winning filmmaker and true film lover Michael Moore serve as our volunteer programmer. This year, we welcomed over a quarter million people to nine daily screenings of the best cinema available, including an average of one free community event each and every day.

Festival by the Numbers6 Days | 12 Venues

100,000 Festival Admissions

1 Remarkable Community

3,267 Friends of the Film Festival Members

9,000 Twitter Followers

21,500 Facebook Fans

160 Filmmakers & Industry Guests

123 Features | 121 Shorts

250+ Screenings and Events

Theaters by the Numbers2 World-Class Theaters | 365 Days a Year

200,000 Year-Round Attendance

1,000 State and Bijou Members

5,000 Twitter Followers

18,000 Facebook Fans

58 New Release Films

2,964 Screenings

400 Different Films Annually

350+ Free & Low-Cost Community Events

175 Nonprofits Helped Annually

Top 10 Most Popular Films

TCFF Documentaries >> A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story>> The Hunting Ground>> Glen Campbell...I’ll Be Me>> Hip Hop-eration>> The Armor of Light>> Very Semi-Serious>> From This Day Forward>> A Dangerous Game>> T-Rex>> Holbrook/Twain: An American Odyssey

TCFF Narratives >> Tangerines>> The 100-Year-Old Man Who...>> Labyrinth of Lies>> Operation Arctic>> Man Up>> Wild Tales>> Diplomacy>> When Marnie Was There>> Kill the Messenger>> Learning to Drive

State & Bijou New Releases>> The Imitation Game>> Inside Out>> The Martian>> A Walk in the Woods>> Into the Woods>> Birdman>> The Theory of Everything>> Interstellar>> Mr. Holmes>> Selma

Friday Night Flicks>> The Big Lebowski>> The Room>> Mad Max: Fury Road>> Monty Python and the Holy Grail>> National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation>> Kingsman: The Secret Service>> Blade Runner: The Final Cut>> 10 Things I Hate About You>> A Nightmare on Elm Street>> Dirty Dancing

25¢ Classic Matinees>> The Thin Man>> The Man Who Knew Too Much>> The Graduate>> All the President’s Men>> Catch-22>> The Bishop’s Wife>> Meet Me in St. Louis>> Christmas in Connecticut>> An Affair to Remember>> Harold & Maude

25¢ Kids Matinees>> The Polar Express>> Home>> Maleficent>> The Boxtrolls>> 101 Dalmatians (1996)>> The LEGO Movie>> Dolphin Tale 2>> How to Train Your Dragon 2>> Big Hero 6>> Mary Poppins

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SPECIAL EVENTS & SCREENINGSIn addition to our signature series like Friday Night Flicks, 25¢ Classic Matinees, and 25¢ Kids Matinees, 2015 was full of memorable special screenings and events.

MET OPERA LIVE IN HDAudiences experience each Metropolitan Opera season up close and personal with live transmissions from New York.

FREE MOVIES FOR CHERRY FESTDuring the National Cherry Festival, we offer free classic matinees each morning, as well as other free special events including Teen Night and a sensory friendly screening for guests and families living with autism and other special needs.

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE& STRATFORD FESTIVALTheater fans get to see the top productions from Broadway and the renowned Stratford Festival in the local comfort of the State.

HOLIDAY FILMSWe celebrate the season with film! For so many families, seeing holiday classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” on the big screen, and participating in events like our famous “Elf” Quote-Along, are beloved traditions.

NEW YORK FILM CRITICS SERIESThe NYFC Series brings sneak previews of highly-anticipated films followed by exclusive conversations with the stars and filmmakers, hosted by film critic Peter Travers.

TCM PRESENTS & CLASSICSThere’s no better place to experience classic Hollywood films than in our downtown movie palace, complete with TCM special introductions and bonus features.

FREE SPRING BREAK WEEKFor an entire week every year, we host an epic free movie staycation for people who are unable to get away on holiday—36 films in all!

LIVE COMMUNITY VIEWING PARTIESIn 2015, the community gathered to enjoy historic moments like the Pope’s Address to Congress, the World Cup, Saturday Night Live’s 40th anniversary, and the Oscars.

AND MORE!We delight in bringing one-of-a-kind film and live events that you won’t find anywhere else, like the Internet Cat Video Festival hosted by the world-famous Lil BUB, and a concert taping for NBC’s hit series “The Voice.”

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Fans came dressed up to celebrate at our Future is Now Party for “Back to the Future 2” Day!

The State stepped into the national spotlight (and brought bedlam to the streets) when it hosted the Joshua Davis hometown concert that aired on NBC’s Emmy-winning series “The Voice.”

World-famous cat sensation and inspiration Lil BUB joined us at the State to present the

Internet Cat Video Festival.

EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Education is at the forefront of our mission. At the festival we offer ten film school classes taught by world-renowned industry professionals at rate everyone can afford (only $5!) as well as free daily panels with visiting filmmakers. We also highlight the next generation of filmmakers at our student screenings and run a Kids Fest dedicated to the filmgoers of the future. At the theaters we bring in thousands of students, at our own expense, to experience the magic of the movies with films that expand media literacy and correlate to curriculum. And this year, thanks to a generous donation from Michael Moore, we were proud to make the essential film “Selma” free to students of all ages.

FREE STUDENT SCREENINGS

6,411 26 42 1,266Student Viewers Films Shown Schools Free “Selma” Student Tickets

The State and Bijou are more than just movie theaters. We are proud to partner with and support organizations that do good work in our community. This year we helped more than 175 nonprofits with their life-changing efforts! A small sampling of these groups can be found below.

>> Rotary>> A Matter of Honor—PTSD>> Child and Family Services>> Groundwork Center>> TART Trails>> Building Bridges with Music>> Utopia Foundation>> UpNorth Pride>> Northern Michigan College’s International Affairs Forum>> Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging>> Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council>> Michigan Movie Makers>> Michael’s Place>> Traverse City West’s Community Outreach Council>> Goodwill Inn and Street Outreach>> Parkinson’s Network North>> The Leelanau School

>> TEDx Traverse City>> Interlochen Center for the Arts>> Traverse Area District Library>> Women’s Resource Center>> Downtown Traverse City Association>> National Cherry Festival>> Northwest Michigan Autism Resource Network>> On the Ground and Higher Grounds Trading Company>> Vasa Ski Club>> Grand Traverse MSU Alumni Club>> U of M Club of Grand Traverse >> Oryana Natural Foods Market>> Grand Traverse Area Anti-Bullying Task Force>> Northern Lakes Community Mental Health>> NMC Art Department>> Northern Michigan Association of Volunteer Administrators

>> Traverse Symphony Orchestra>> Third Level Crisis Center>> Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum>> National Writers Series>> FLOW (For the Love of Water)>> Dann’s House>> Congregation Ahavat Shalom and Temple Beth El>> #EducationIsNotaCrime>> The Down Syndrome Association of Northwest Michigan>> Pine Hollow Institute >> Unitarian Universalist Congregation>> NMC Office of International Services>> STEP (Students in Transition Education Program) >> Pathfinder School>> Alzheimer’s Association–Greater Michigan Chapter>> Baha’is of Traverse City>> Safe Harbor

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SPECIAL GUESTS

1. TCFF Lifetime Achievement honoree Geraldine Chaplin2. Subjects of the hit documentary “The Wolfpack”3. New Yorker Cartoon Editor Bob Mankoff4. Flint Natives Michael Moore and Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields 5. “The Surface” producer Jeff Gendelman 6. TCFF Michigan Filmmaker Roger Corman

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7. Motown Legends Gospel Choir at MLK Day Event8. Filmmakers of “Divide in Concord” via Skype9. Anti-bullying activist Lizzie Velasquez10. Teen heavy metal sensations Unlocking the Truth11. TCFF favorite and festival friend Doug Benson

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SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

70+6+6+2+4+12 Festival Expenses

Setting Up and Running Films & Events

Payroll

Administrative

Programs & Publicity

Concessions/Merchan-

Filmmaker Travel

Donations & Support

Memberships

Utilities

Concessions & Merchandise

Building Maintenance & Repair

Administrative Expenses

60+20+6+9+5Box Office

Concessions & Merchandise

37+34+11+5+5+5+3Film Rentals & Free Programs

Staff Expenses

Marketing

Gift Cards

State & Bijou Expenses

State & Bijou Revenue28+15+45+12SponsorsBox Office

Concessions & Merchandise

Friends of the Film Festival

Festival Revenue

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS VOLUNTEERS

President, Programmer, & FounderMichael Moore

Vice PresidentLarry Charles

SecretaryRod Birleson

TreasurerJohn Robert Williams

Board MembersMark CousinsJeff DanielsTerry GeorgeChristine LahtiTia LessinPenny MillikenTom Morello

Our art house theater and film festival colleagues around the country marvel at the incredible scope of what our volunteers do, and the national reputation they’ve earned for world-class operations and unparalleled friendliness. Our volunteers run a film festival that welcomes over 100,000 admissions, and two movie theaters that require over 50 volunteer hours each and every day, year round. These feats could only be possible in Traverse City, home of the greatest volunteers in the world!

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OUR VOLUNTEER FAMILY

3,000+ 300 1,500 200,000Film Fest Volunteers Film Fest Managers Year-Round Volunteers Annual Volunteer Hours

Special thanks to the volunteer photographers who contributed to this annual report:

Volunteer PhotographersGary Howe Michael PoehlmanJohn Robert WilliamsAllen-Kent PhotographyLaramie BatesPamela BevelhymerMary Hartz

Our volunteer Board of Directors generously lend their valuable time and prodigious talents to lead our organization.

Michael JonasJim MayoAlan NewtonJohn RussellJeff SimonisMaggie SzymanekShane Wyatt

SUPPORTING THE FESTIVAL, STATE, & BIJOUBox office income and purchases of merchandise and concessions support our efforts to ensure that the filmgoing experience remains affordable and accessible for all. Friends of the Film Festival (3,267 in 2015) and State and Bijou members (928 in 2015) are crucial to the health of our organization.

Annual donations in any amount sustain our mission at the film festival and year-round theaters. Commemorative Bijou bricks and State seats support the ongoing maintenance of our historic buildings. Festival sponsorships and inkind donations are vital to our ongoing operations. So many ways to help!

21202007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

945

1331

1065

885 882 893

10801028

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THEATERS MEMBERSHIP THROUGH THE YEARSYour membership helps us grow!

GIFTS & DONATIONSOur supporters are legion, too numerous to list in full. We are sincerely grateful for each and every one. Donations listed were received November 2014 to November 2015.

MAJOR SUPPORTERS OF $1,000+

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>> AAUW Book Group>> Charlene Abernethy & Denny Rohn>> Addiction Treatment Services >> Allure Salon & Spa>> American Spoon>> Amical>> AMMAK Productions LLC>> Michael & Jamie Antonich>> Karen Baja>> Marilyn Baker & Pat Sharpnack>> The Barbus Family>> Susan Bass & Tom Bradford>> Susi Cahn & Mario Batali>> Bellaire Family Cosmetic Dentistry

& Elk Rapids Esthetic Dentistry>> Tom & Mary Ellen Bleakley>> John & Susan Boles>> Brilliant Books>> Candy & Jim Brody>> Jere & Gail Brown

>> W. Clark and Karen C. Bunting>> Dr. Angela Kirby Buser, Dr. Gregory Buser,

Dr. Landon Wellford>> Grant & Terry Carrithers>> Ron Chao DDS>> Randy Chapman and Angela Schuler>> Chemical Bank>> Cherry Capital Airport>> Cherry Republic>> Cherry Stop>> Children’s Dyslexia Tutoring Center

of Traverse City, LLC>> CMK Enterprises, Inc.>> Al & Susan Cogswell>> Chris & Jim Corgel>> Country Inn & Suites–Traverse City>> The Cover Family>> Molly Coye MD>> Credit Union One>> Critter Control

>> Mary Cusick & David Wible>> Chris Dennos>> Dothe22.com>> Downtown Traverse City Association>> Dan & Debbie Edson>> The Eisenberg Family>> The English Inn, Restaurant & Pub>> Lisa & Pete Erickson>> Michael & Rhonda Estes>> Robert Evans & Adria Badagnani>> Fox Motors>> J & E Frank>> Gallery Fifty>> Ward & Mary Gillett>> Glassource>> Gochman Family>> Bob & Carol Goff>> Mary Ann & Rob Gorlin>> Grand Beach and Sugar Beach Resort Hotels>> Grand Traverse Pie Company

>> Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos and Grand Traverse Resort & Spa>> Great Lakes Plastic Surgery Center>> Greenleaf Trust>> Griffiths Family>> H. Cox & Sons>> Hagerty>> Herrington-Fitch Family Foundation>> Higher Grounds Trading Company>> Mike Holland>> The Hollander Family>> The Homestead>> Donna & Lee Hornberger>> Diane Hubert & Richard Sutton>> Imagine Health—Dr. Stephanie Woodfin, D.O.>> Dr. Lola Jackson & Dilys Tosteson Garcia>> JenTees Custom Logo Gear>> Bernie & Nina Kent>> Bill Kildee, CRPC Financial Advisor—

The Kildee Group an Ameriprise Platinum Financial Services Practice>> Jon & Sue Kinne>> Alan & Susan Kirby>> Christopher & Martha Kitchen>> Kitchen Choreography>> Brian Klym & Lori Ann Klym>> Susan Deutch Konop>> Deb Lake>> Paul & Carol LaPorte>> Judy Levin, Realtor>> Mark & Karen Lundmark>> Tom & Cheryle Mackie>> Mary Marois>> Martha’s Leelanau Table>> Peggy & Graham Martin>> Mary’s Kitchen Port>> Sandy & Ned McClurg

>> Mike & Sandra McDonald>> Harriet & Clyde McKenzie>> Carolyn Micklatcher>> Kathleen S. & William G. Miller III>> Governor William G. Milliken and

Joyce Braithwaite-Brickley>> Marsha & Ray Minervini>> Bill & Anne Montgomery>> Michael Moore>> Bette & Ben Munger>> Munson Medical Center>> William and Carin Northway>> Dr. David Oakley, Dr. Marci Bultemeier,

Dr. Debra Graetz>> The Oh Family>> Old Town Optical>> Lillian Adler Ostendorf>> Kirsten Pappas>> Edward & Carol Tompkins Parker>> Paulette & Grant Parsons>> PNC Bank >> David Poinsett & Mary Salo>> Pure Michigan Film Office>> Linda & Fred Rachwitz>> Ed Smith & Mary Razsmith>> Laura & Woody Rea>> Kent & Mary Ann Reynolds>> Sally Richardson>> Barbara Richman & Gary Schultheiss>> Right Brain Brewery>> Rosenbaum Family>> Joanne Rusch & Bryan Watson>> Bob & Sue Sandtveit>> Saturn Booksellers>> Pat & Wally Schroth and Jim & Jan Schroth>> The Schwimmer Family>> Richard & Betty Seid

>> Michael and Isobelle Semrau>> Shanty Creek Resorts>> Drs. Lou A. & Roy J. Simon>> Alton & Kathy Smith>> Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge>> Cristy & Scott Sneed>> Soelch Properties LLC>> Bill & Kathy Steeves>> Nancy and Helene Stupsker>> Subie Guys, Inc.>> David & Sara Taft>> Carl & Emily Taphouse>> That’sa Pizza>> Tom’s Mom’s Cookies of Harbor Springs>> Traverse City Tourism>> Steve & Sarah Trippe Family>> Steve & Mary Tuttle>> Ventana Charitable Foundation>> Verellen 5 of TC>> The Village at Grand Traverse Commons>> Cary Weed & Bill Rastetter>> Max & Mary Wendell>> Petra vonKulajka & Tim Werner>> B Ellen Wesley DO>> West Michigan Film Office & West Michigan

Film Video Alliance>> Alan & Steve Westerholm>> Dan & Jeanne Wettlaufer>> Judy Whitten & Mitch Adler>> Dr. Jack Williams & Karen Stewart Williams>> Williams Chevrolet, Inc.>> Janet Wolf>> Michael & Colleen Wolfe>> Yoga for Health Education>> Susan Zakrzewski>> Abbas Zand

PRESENTING SUPPORTERS OF $25,000+>> Richard & Diana Milock>> Consumers Energy Foundation>> FIM Group

>> Hightower Anderson Wealth Management >> Michigan State University>> Rotary Charities

>> The Tricoastal Foundation>> The Wege Family>> The Wilson Family

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

TRAVERSE CITY FILM FESTIVAL

July 26-31, 2016