The big moment has finally arrived: The 2008 Traverse City Film Festival Film Guide is now live on the website. Having been an active participant in the festival the past three years, I can say with confidence that I think this will be our best year yet. Not only do we have great guests (in addition to the previously announced Madonna, Phil Donahue and Stanley Donen, over 20 other films will have their directors/producers accompanying them to Traverse City), we also have a truly amazing, diverse lineup of movies from all over the world.

Michael Moore and Deb Lake have culled the best of the best from Tribeca, Sundance, Cannes and Hollywood, as well as little-seen gems from countries as farflung as Uruguay and Jordan, to create a cross-cultural cinematic feast of independent, documentary and art house films (with a few big Hollywood hits thrown in for good measure). It may be impossible for you to see everything you want to see this year, but Michael has promised to share some tips for moviegoers to make the most of their week at TCFF. I'll be sure to pass them along here on the blog.

Film tickets go on sale beginning at noon on Monday exclusively to the Friends of the Festival. You can make your purchases online, by phone or at the festival box office in Radio Centre on Front St. There is a limit of 4 tickets per Friend per screening. NOTE: There may be adjustments to the schedule over the weekend, so be sure to check back tomorrow night before making your final purchases Monday.