Published: July 30, 2009 06:50 am      

Adapted In TC: Tips for navigating fest

I learned much of what I know about film festival accessibility by attending the Cannes Film Festival. That gigantic international event attends to every language, nationality, class and physical ability.

I was impressed with both the overall operation and attention given to every detail. Here in Traverse City, local people with disabilities and others have worked to improve accessibility and accountability at the Traverse City Film Festival.

Here are some tips for navigating the fifth annual TCFF:

-- Start with the Web site www.traversecityfilmfest.org. Click "Attend," then use the "Physical Access" drop-down menu. Pay close attention to the fourth paragraph regarding ticket information: "Patrons who use wheelchairs are welcome to attend the festival without paying for festival tickets. However, we do ask that you contact the box office about the films you would like to see so that we can list you as attending."

Also on the Web site is a list of subtitled films, information about each venue, a helpful 360-degree virtual tour of the State Theatre and child care and lodging details. Jim Moore is the disability coordinator. You can e-mail him at access@

traversecityfilmfestival.org.

-- If you don't have Internet access during the festival, stop at the film festival box office, 330 E. Front St., or call 946-3731. There are free computers with Internet access and the box office is a friendly hub for free coffee, festival services and information, merchandise and tickets.

-- Film industry panels run Wednesday through Sunday at the City Opera House at 9:30 a.m. Free tickets are handed out daily at 8:30 a.m. Past panels are archived on the TCFF Web site. Balcony and main floor seating is available. There's an elevator to the balcony.

-- Volunteers received extensive training this year related to patrons with disabilities. The volunteers are the folks in the maroon shirts ... they're ready and happy to help.

-- Companion seating is next to wheelchair seating at all venues.

-- There's one accessible bus that will transport patrons to all of the venues.

-- People with disabilities are encouraged to go to the front of lines for first seating.

-- The State Theatre has four floor-leveling platforms for wheelchairs. Ask an usher for assistance.

-- At Lars Hockstad Auditorium, new wheelchair seating is available midway on the main floor.

-- Film discussion groups are at the American Legion Park at Cass and Washington and Lay Park at Union and Sixth Street. Volunteer assistance is available.

-- The TCFF Film School runs through Sunday at 12935 S. West Bay Shore Dr. Park in the lot or on the west side of the street and use the tunnel to get to the Center Pointe Building. A $3 ticket is required.

-- On Saturday, there's a 5K race. Film-themed costumes are encouraged but not required and you can walk, run or wheel. Register online or at the box office. The race starts in the Elm parking lot at Northwestern Michigan College and ends at the State Theatre.

-- Many parties are held at Wade-Trim's parking lot on Park and State or at the Grand Traverse Commons. Handicap portable restrooms are available at both. The lawn terrain at the Commons is bumpy; volunteer assistance is available.

-- Check out additional information on movie access for people with vision and hearing needs at Mopixtc.com.

We'd love to hear your TCFF experience. E-mail jtaylor@record-eagle.com or weigh in on our film festival blog at www.record-eagle.com/filmfest.

Susan Odgers, a resident of Traverse City for the past 22 years, has used a wheelchair for 33 years. She is a faculty member at Northwestern Michigan College and Grand Valley State University. She can be reached via the Record-Eagle. For more Adapted in TC columns, log on to record-eagle.com/susanodgers.