Michael Moore, the writer, director, and political activist known for his satirical approach to confronting political and economic issues, will speak at 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, in Strong Auditorium on the University of Rochester's River Campus.
Admission is $10 for the general public; $3 for University undergraduate students; and $5 for University faculty, staff, graduate students, and students with ID from other schools. Tickets are available in advance at the Common Market in Wilson Commons on the River Campus and at Aaron's Alley, 669 Monroe Ave.
Moore's 1989 documentary film debut, Roger and Me, followed Moore's mission to persuade General Motors chairman Roger B. Smith to visit Flint, Mich., and observe the damage created by the shutdown of GM plants. The film was described as "one of the 10 best films of the year" by more than 100 film critics. With the profits from Roger and Me, Moore established the Center for Alternative Media Foundation, which provides financial support to independent filmmakers and social action groups.
Moore's film Bowling for Columbine, released in 2002, examined the culture of guns and gun violence in the United States. It won the special Cannes 55th Anniversary Prize and is one of the nominees in the documentary category for this year's Academy Awards.
The University of Rochester Cinema Group will show both films in Hoyt Hall on the River Campus the weekend preceding Moore's visit. Roger and Me will be screened at 7 p.m., 9 p.m., and 11 p.m. on Friday, March 21. Bowling for Columbine will be shown at 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m., and midnight on Saturday, March 22. Tickets are $2 at the door and $1.75 if purchased in advance at the Common Market.
In addition to his film endeavors, Moore has produced, directed, and written two television programs, TV Nation and The Awful Truth. TV Nation, a satirical newsmagazine, won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Series in 1995.
Moore has also written two books. His first book, Downsize This: Random Threats from an Unarmed American, was a national bestseller. His most recent book, Stupid White Men: And Other Excuses for the State of the Nation, has also been on the bestseller lists since its release in February 2002.
Moore's appearance at the University of Rochester is sponsored by the Outside Speakers Committee. For more information, call (585) 275-5911.