The Traverse City Film Festival has been canceled.
For nearly 20 years, the annual summertime event drew crowds to downtown Traverse City to see films and meet stars.
Filmmaker and founder Michael Moore told Interlochen Public Radio that the festival recently broke even after years of debt.
He said they’re now deciding on a new way to keep costs low for movie-goers without going back into the red.
Trevor Tkach is the president and CEO of Traverse City Tourism. He says the summer event had become internationally known.
“You can’t just replace that. It’s something very special, very magical. In addition to that, it had become a brand for our region. It is the physical manifestation of arts and culture in our town.”
Tkach said not having the Traverse City Film Festival this summer will have an impact on downtown businesses, who often count on mid-week sales from festival goers.
The changes announced Tuesday are about the summer festival only.
The organization’s two theaters; the State and the Bijou by the Bay will continue operating and screening films year-round.