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Michael Moore: I've got my Madonna shorts on today

By Julie Hinds / Detroit Free Press

Michael Moore brought the funny to the Traverse City Film Festival this morning, hosting a panel discussion on comedy at the City Opera House.

“I’ve got my Madonna shorts on today,” said the festival’s founder, who paired them with a black T-shirt.

Tonight, Madonna is coming here to introduce her very serious, often moving documentary, “I Am Because We Are.”

But the mood was mostly irreverent at the comedy panel, with some thoughtful discussion on the making of controversial comedies.

Stanley Donen and Elaine May didn't make it to the panel, but Larry Charles, director of “Borat,” was there to talk about “Religulous,” his new film that follows comedian Bill Maher on a look at religions across the world. Talk about a touchy subject.

Charles entertained the crowd with the story of how he’d been pulled over around 2 a.m. by the Traverse City police after dinner with Moore.

He said he was totally sober, and had fun taking the coordination test, because he knew he would pass with flying colors.

“The policeman was nice and very respectful,” said Charles. “Not a fan of ‘Borat,’ though.”

Moore raved about a sleeper hit of the festival, an Australian documentary called “Kenny” about a guy who delivers port-a-johns.

The laughter was so loud at a Friday screening at the State Theatre, you could hear it outside on Front Street, Moore said.

“I’m telling you, this is $100 million,” he said of its potential box-office potential.