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November 13, 2008

'Flow' takes on global water crisis

Documentary followed by panel and reception

FROM STAFF REPORTS

TRAVERSE CITY -- "Flow" For Love of Water," a documentary about the world water crisis, will be shown at the State Theatre Sunday at 3 p.m., followed by a reception and panel discussion at the City Opera House.

The event is sponsored by Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation. The group's efforts to preserve the Great Lakes are one of six case studies featured in the movie, according to Traverse City environmental attorney Jim Olson, who is interviewed in the movie.

Director Irena Salina will be on hand, and possibly producer Steve Starr, Olson said. The reception at the Opera House will feature a panel discussion with former Gov. William G. Milliken, author David Dempsey, Olson, Salina and others. At the reception, Interlochen writer Michael Delp will give readings and cellist Crispin Campbell and keyboardist Jimmy Olson will provide music. Local restaurants and caterers will provide food and beverages.

"We want to educate people on the Great Lakes Compact," Olson said. "The states passed it and it went to Congress but there's a hole in it. It bans diversions, which is valid, but the ban doesn't apply to water put in containers." Olson said U.S. Rep Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) is working on closing the loophole, but in the meantime there's action people can take about the Great Lakes and the worldwide water crisis. "That's what we're going to focus on during the discussion -- things people can do," Olson said.

The New York Times called "Flow" a "three-alarm warning" about "our planet's most essential resource -- and third-largest industry." It said the documentary was "less depressing than galvanizing, an informed and heartfelt examination of the tug of war between public health and private interests."

Tickets for the movie and reception are $15 each or $25 per couple and are available at www.cityoperahouse.org or by calling 941-8082. Tickets for the movie are available at the State Theatre box office, online at www.traversecityfilmfestival.org or by calling 947-3446.

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