Michael Moore brings the revolution on opening night of TIFF
Michael Moore, the ever provocative documentarian, treated the audience at the Ryerson Theatre to his latest highly political condemnation of the American political system, Fahrenheit 11/9.
Before the film even began red bandanas were handed out, meant to represent the "red necks" who were striking workers who tied the material around their necks in solidarity.
Distributing 🔴 handkerchiefs—to represent resistance—at the premiere of @MMFlint's #Fahrenheit119. #TIFF18 pic.twitter.com/nKwTQo3XmL
— TIFF (@TIFF_NET) September 7, 2018
Trump baby balloons greeted festival attendees as well.
Baby Trump balloons are being hung up outside the Ryerson Theatre leading up to the world premiere of @MMFlint’s #Fahrenheit119 #TIFF18 pic.twitter.com/0Dyl7pilMU
— Jason Guerrasio (@JasonGuerrasio) September 6, 2018
Arriving a bit late, Moore and his producers quickly walked the Red Carpet.
Michael Moore has arrived in #Toronto for #TIFF18 pic.twitter.com/HOfjcYg7SQ
— blogTO (@blogTO) September 7, 2018
The sympathetic crowd applauded throughout, despite some being taken aback when Moore's sights pointed out flaws in the Clinton and Obama administration instead of the expected Trump excoriation.
You could feel the crowd squirm when Michael Moore turned on Obama and Pelosi: FAHRENHEIT 11/9 is an equal opportunity offender. It has rage to spare, but also a sense of old-school solidarity. #TIFF18
— Joshua Rothkopf (@joshrothkopf) September 7, 2018
Post-screening the director introduced one of the Flint Water whistleblowers, as well as the students from Parkland, Florida who have transformed their tragic witnessing of their school shooting into an effective political movement.
Michael Moore brought up students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida after the screening of #fahrenheit119 at #TIFF18 #TIFF #Toronto pic.twitter.com/ktbR2r3Xfq
— blogTO (@blogTO) September 7, 2018
Moore mentioned that after announcing his film on Stephen Colbert's Late Show he was approached by the IRS to be audited. He then explained to the crowd he actually overpaid his taxes, thus is eligible for refunds with interest.
So @MMFlint says he’s being audited by the irs, which he got notice of right after announcing the film #fahrenheit119. Says they’ll owe him $$ pic.twitter.com/8HeVTYpJWU
— Sharon Waxman (@sharonwaxman) September 7, 2018
Finally, at the afterparty Moore posed with women dressed in the costumes from Margaret Atwood's The Handmaids Tale continuing the spirit of protest at injustice even as the free drinks flowed.
Jason Gorber
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