Board of Directors


Founder and President Michael Moore, winner of an Oscar (“Bowling for Columbine”), an Emmy (“TV Nation”), a Palme d’Or at Cannes (“Fahrenheit 9/11″), and the British Book of the Year award (“Stupid White Men”), was the first 18-year-old elected to public office in Michigan. He operated the art-house film series East Village Cinema in his native Flint, Michigan, for eight years. Moore serves as the board president.

Larry Charles, a Brooklyn-born writer, director, and producer, directed the largest grossing comedy of 2006, “Borat,” which had its North American premiere in Traverse City at the second annual film festival. “Borat” was named by the American Film Institute as one of the ten best films of 2007. Charles was also one of the original writers of “Seinfeld,” a director of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and a writer/producer of HBO’s “Entourage.” Charles serves as the board vice-president.

Rod Birleson is an educator and documentary filmmaker. He earned a degree in secondary education at Eastern Michigan University in 1970 and taught 27 years in Michigan public schools before retiring from teaching in 1997.

He began his filmmaking career by being one of the two key field producers for the groundbreaking film, “Roger & Me.” Rod went on to work as a producer on “SICKO” and “Capitalism: A Love Story.”

He has been active on the film festival from the start, acting as a moderator, panel member and volunteer for the Traverse City Film Festival. He is currently TCFF’s newest board member.

“I am honored and pleased to have the opportunity to serve as a TCCF Board Member. This film festival is the best example of all the good that can come from a community that works together.”

Co-founder John Robert Williams is also a lifelong resident of Traverse City. A full-time commercial photographer for over 26 years, his studio is in the center of downtown Traverse City. He has served Traverse City since he was appointed to the City Planning Commission at age 17. A long-time member of Rotary Charities, he has been instrumental in founding the Dennos Museum, TART Trails, radio station WNMC, and Cross-Town Properties’ affordable housing. Williams serves as board treasurer.

Terry George, born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, was nominated for an Academy Award for co-writing “In the Name of the Father.” His “Hotel Rwanda” received three Oscar nominations. Much of his film work (“The Boxer,” “Some Mother’s Son,” and “In the Name of the Father”) involves Northern Ireland. His storied career as a playwright, screenwriter, director, curator, draftsman, journalist, and magazine researcher has led him to his current place among the upper echelons of dramatic filmmakers.
The acclaimed Italian satirist, actor, and director Sabina Guzzanti joined the TCFF board in 2008. She wrote, directed, and produced two documentaries that have been favorites at the TCFF and festivals around the world, “Viva Zapatero!” and “Le ragioni dell’aragosta,” winner of the Brian Award at the Venice Film Festival.

Christine Lahti is a Michigan-born Emmy Award- and two-time Golden Globe Award-winning actress, and the Academy Award-winning film director of “Lieberman in Love.” She starred in the TCFF fave “Yonkers Joe” and many other films including “Running on Empty,” and is the recipient of the 2007 TCFF Michigan Filmmakers Award. She joined the board in 2008.