TRAVERSE CITY -- Tracy Conroy loved watching "Raiders of the Lost Ark" outside on a large inflatable screen during last year's Traverse City Film Festival.
"Every inch of the Open Space is covered with people ... it's just a blast," said Conroy, a Traverse City resident.
Filmmaker and festival founder Michael Moore agrees.
"There's no better place to see a film at this festival than on a (65-foot) screen sitting on the edge of our beautiful bay as the sun goes down and the stars come out," Moore said. "It's a magical experience."
Free movies at the Open Space kick off tonight with "Ghost Busters." The Best of Looney Tunes plays on Wednesday, "Singin' in the Rain" on Thursday, "Back to the Future" on Friday and "A League of Their Own" on Saturday. Sunday is a rain-out date. All the movies are rated G, PG, or PG-13.
"I want this to be a festival for everyone, and I realize during these hard economic times, even though our tickets are only $9, it still makes it difficult for people to come to the movies," Moore said.
Films start at dusk, and seating is first-come, first-served. The Open Space can accommodate up to 10,000 people, he said. Moviegoers can snack on their own picnic dinners or purchase refreshments at the park. Smoking and alcohol are not allowed.
"I want parents to bring their children and I want senior citizens to come and see "Singin' in the Rain" out there, and I don't want them to be bothered or annoyed by people who are drinking," Moore said.
He hopes young children will get a kick out of the Looney Tunes night, but said everyone should enjoy it. The event will include a Looney Tunes costume contest. Judging will start at 7 p.m. with the winners announced around 8:15 p.m.
A crowd full of adults at the Cannes Film Festival in France had a great time watching Looney Tunes on an outdoor screen on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, he said.
On Thursday, Stanley Donen is scheduled to personally introduce "Singin' in the Rain," the classic film he directed with Gene Kelley in 1952.
Saturday's movie is "A League of Their Own," in honor of Madonna, who will be in town that day for a special screening of her documentary, "I Am Because We Are" at the State Theatre.
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