The Wrestler (2008 film) an aging professional wrestler who, despite his failing health and waning fame, continues to wrestle in an attempt to cling to the success of his 1980s heyday. He also tries to mend his relationship with his estranged daughter and to find romance with a woman who works as a stripper. The film received universal critical acclaim and won the Golden Lion Award at the 65th Venice International Film Festival, where it premiered. Film critic Roger Ebert called it one of the year's best films, while Rotten Tomatoes reported that 98% of critics gave the film positive reviews. The success of
Traverse City Film Festival Free Movies at the Open Space: The second annual Traverse City Film Festival was held July 31 – August 6, 2006. Stanley Kubrick Tribute: Free Movies at the Open Space: The third annual festival was held July 31 – August 5, 2007. Free Movies at the Open Space: The fourth annual festival: July 29 – August 3, 2008. Special appearance by Madonna, on August 2, 2008, introducing her film "I Am Because We Are". Michigan Filmmaker Award went to Kurt Luedtke. Also world premiere for Religulous. Free Movies at the Open Space: The fifth annual festival was held from July