We were very lucky to have tickets for the Sundance Film Festival USA screening of ‘The East’. I bet you didn’t know that the Michigan Theater is one of 10 cities selected as an official venue for the Sundance Film Festival USA. Yep right here in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Thank you Russ Collins.

I bet you also didn’t  know that the Michigan Theater is not associated with U-M or the City of Ann Arbor. They are a non-profit and serve the community. Everyone is welcome and over 250,000 people attend a range events each year, from movies to concerts to parties.

There are many reason why going to a Sundance Film screening at the Michigan Theater is trilling.  At the top of the list is at the end of movie, festival artists return to the stage and answer questions. This year, ‘The East’ co-writer/director Zal Batmanglij and co-writer/star Brit Marling  engaged answered questions from the audience.

So you are probably wondering, what the hell is the movie about?  In a nutshell, it is about an undercover agent whose assignment is to infiltrate a eco-terrorist group and falls in love with the group’s leader. I know, sounds like a story that has been told before. Well maybe, but this telling of the story is worth watching.

Russ Collins

Did you know that Russ Collins is celebrating 30 years as Michigan Theater Executive Director? Well, I didn’t either but I had fun helping him celebrate.

Inside of the Sundance Program was a card the audience kept hidden until Russ came on the stage to introduce the movie. Thank you Russ!

Barton Organ

Ok let me explain. The Barton Organ is the MichiganTheater’s pipe organ.  It was installed in 1927 and luckily was restored 1971 after some mild neglect.  It is played Thursday through Monday for all evening movies.

The Michigan Theater Experience

First there is the box office!

That is pretty fricking cool if you ask me.

And then you have the balcony.

And who else has snowflakes?