Moore’s ‘Slacker Uprising’ premieres after his guest lecture at U-M
Arguably American’s most incendiary filmmaker, Michael Moore will be in Ann Arbor Sept. 18 to discuss his inimitable approach to his craft, and his self-proclaimed mission to provoke the American public to confront pressing social and economic issues.
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Moore will appear as a guest lecturer as part of the School of Art & Design Penny W. Stamps Distinguished Visitors Series. His lecture, co-sponsored by U-M Screen Arts & Cultures, begins at 5 p.m. at the Michigan Theatre, 603 E. Liberty in downtown Ann Arbor.
“For nearly a decade, this series has attracted the most critical and creative thinkers of our time — and regardless of your political persuasion, it’s hard to deny that Michael Moore’s films have influenced and provoked people around the world,” says Bryan Rogers, dean of the School of Art & Design.
Immediately following the lecture, Moore will be on hand for the world premiere of his newest film, “Slacker Uprising.” The film documents Moore’s 62-city tour of swing states during the 2004 presidential election. In his self-styled campaign to rally young voters, he documents the thrilling — and sometimes disturbing — responses he received, including a raucous rally at U-M in October of 2004.
The release of his latest film, Moore says, aims to stir emotions and inspire patriotism in college-age voters less than two months before the U.S. presidential election. Moore publicly has endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. According to the filmmaker, the film takes an unabashed pro-Democrat perspective.
Moore does not intend to release “Slacker Uprising” in theaters. Instead, the film will be available for three weeks as a free download ( www.slackeruprising.com) beginning Sept. 23.
“I think ‘Slacker Uprising’ will inspire (millions) to get off the couch and give voting a chance,” Moore says.
In his earlier films, Moore took on the U.S. medical insurance industry, myths of 9/11, the gun lobby and proponents of any regulation of the Second Amendment and looked irreverently at detached General Motors corporate leadership in the aftermath of auto layoffs. His credits include “Sicko,” “Fahrenheit 9/11,” “Bowling for Columbine,” and “Roger & Me.”
In addition to Moore, Stamps Series guests have included artist Dale Chihuly, writer J.M. Coetzee, cultural critic Lawrence Weschler, ecology activist Michael Braungart, graphic design Chipp Kidd, “Democracy Now” host Amy Goodman, and dancer Liz Lerman.
Admission is free to Moore’s talk and world-premiere of “Slacker Uprising.” The Michigan Theatre doors open at 4 p.m., and the 1,700 seats are available on first-come, first-served.
Moore’s talk begins at 5:10 p.m. The film begins at 6:20 p.m.
For more information on the Penny W. Stamps Distinguished Visitors Program, and a complete listing of this fall’s Stamps program, visit www.art-design.umich.edu.
