TCFF organizers released the first details on this year's fifth anniversary film fest (July 28-August 2) earlier this morning. There is some great stuff on the lineup, including a new TCFF Kids Festival, the Midwest premiere of "Julia & Julia" (starring Meryl Streep), a special 40th anniversary screening of the newly restored director's cut of "Woodstock" with Woodstock legend Wavy Gravy in attendance, an in-person tribute to writer/director/actor Paul Mazursky, and a new TCFF Film School.

The full festival schedule will be released July 2 - less than two weeks from now. It's hard to believe it's coming up so fast! Stay tuned here for more details as they are released. In the meantime, click here to read this morning's announcement in full, or scan below for highlights.

2009 TCFF Highlights

• Festival Kickoff - July 28, featuring the Opening Night Party in Wade Trim Parking Lot. There will also be a free dusk screening of "Men in Black" to kick off the week's Open Space series.
• Paul Mazursky tribute - Mazursky's filmography includes "Down and Out in Beverly Hills," "Moscow on the Hudson," "Harry and Tonto" "Enemies: A Love Story" and several others, as well as appearances on shows ranging from "The Sopranos" to "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Mazursky will attend the fest with his family and be present at several screenings.
• Closing Night Film - Midwest Premiere of "Julia & Julia," starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, directed by Nora Ephron.
• 40th Anniversary Screening of "Woodstock" - Featuring a live appearance by Wavy Gravy, as well as a doc on WG called "Saint Misbehavin'." The doc's director and producer will be in attendance.
• TCFF Kids Festival - Featuring award-winning independent children's films from around the world. Wed-Sat at 9:30 a.m. at the State Theatre; reduced tickets for $6.
• TCFF Film School - Opportunity for audiences to meet a different filmmaker each day, who will show his/her film and answer questions. More details coming soon.
• Open Space Lineup - Tuesday: "Men in Black," Wednesday: "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," Thursday: "Hair," Friday: "Goonies," Saturday: "Big." Sunday will be a makeup rain date if necessary.
• Food Vendors in Open Space - Including That'sa Pizza, House of Doggs, Espresso Bay, Aw…Shucks roasted corn, Why Knot Hot Baked Pretzels, Opa! and American Spoon Foods gelato.
• Film Festival Box Office - The TCFF Box Office/Store/Cybercafe will be located again on the main floor of Radio Centre on E. Front St. Rest, watch film trailers, enjoy free coffee and check the Internet/email on the computer stations. Tickets/merch will be available for sale on-site. Tickets go on sale to Friends of the Festival on Sunday, July 12 at noon (walk-up only; tickets go on sale online/by phone at 6:00 p.m. that night). Tickets for the general public go on sale Saturday, July 18 at noon for walk-ups or 6:00 p.m. for online/phone. Admission will be the same as 2008 - $9 for regular tickets, $25 to Opening and Closing Night films, and $50 for Opening/Closing Night parties.
• Downtown Merchant Window Contest - Downtown merchants are encouraged to create film festival-themed windows the week of the fest. Prizes will be awarded for board and fan favorites.
• Child Care - The Children's House will offer low-cost, licensed childcare for festivalgoers Wednesday-Sunday. To learn more, click here.
• Sponsors & Volunteers - Without them, the festival wouldn't exist. To learn more about becoming a sponsor and enjoying perks like tickets to the Founders Party, early admittance to festival screenings, green room access at sponsored screenings and sponsor wear, contact 231-392-1134 or terry@traversecityfilmfestival.org. For more details on the hundreds of great volunteer shifts that are available, click here.