This is Christen McArdle, Executive Director of the AAFF. It’s the new year and I’m feeling edgy… because now I’m on the “hot seat”! It’s my turn to perform an Act of Audacity for our Endangered fundraising campaign.

The past 6 weeks have been a landmark in the history of the AAFF: we scored a victory for free speech with our federal lawsuit, Variety magazine named us one of their “Ten Favorite Festivals” in the world, and our Endangered campaign has generated unprecedented support for the AAFF (and we just received a generous donation from one of the world’s premier directors).

We have surpassed $57,000 in our campaign thus far, but we still must reach our goal of $75,000 to ensure a full recovery for the AAFF and the success of the 46th festival. With this in mind, we’re providing a final two-week extension for our campaign until January 31st. If you haven’t already joined our cause, please consider donating today.

I am excited about Act of Audacity 3, because regardless of if I’m dancing with giant animals, performing the Star Spangled Banner Jimi Hendrix style on my viola, or questing to kidnap John Stewart for a haiku, it will mean that the Ann Arbor Film Festival will have overcome the financial hardships of its recent history.

The worldwide community has responded incredibly to defend and support the AAFF at a critical time. With one final, determined effort we can ensure a healthy future for the Ann Arbor Film Festival.