A film, friends, and food!

You're invited to check out a free screening of a documentary and join us for a meal and some conversation as we mark Sunshine Week 2026. What documentary? Well, we're not going to say. We realize that might be counter to the spirit of a national celebration of transparency and the public's right to know — or maybe it helps us make the point even better?

Anyway, what we will tell you about this film:

It features a professional wrestler
And a billionaire tech mogul
And a Las Vegas hotel and casino magnate
And it'll get us talking about whether it's possible to maintain a free and independent press in the U.S.

Details:

📅 Friday, March 20
🕐 Doors open 6 p.m., Film start 7 p.m.
📍 Glow Hall, 246 N Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (directions)

What is Sunshine Week?

Sunshine Week is a week-long celebration and awareness-raising of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings laws. Sunshine Week is held in mid-March each year in honor of the birthday of James Madison, the primary author of the U.S. Consitution’s Bill of Rights, including the First Amendment, which enshrines freedom of the press.

What is the Freedom of Information Act?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was enacted at the federal level in the U.S. in 1966. Individual states have additional legislation covering FOIA requirements and exemptions. Michigan FOIA was passed in 1976.

FOIA outlines which government departments and functions must publish or share upon request information deemed to be open to the public. The laws outline procedures through which citizens can request information, the timeliness with which government staff or officials must respond, and any costs for furnishing the information, as well as procedures for disputing any determinations of what constitutes “public” information along the way.

I see why journalists would care — why should I care?

Democracy is a “use it or lose it” proposition. Transparency and accountability are critical ingredients to the healthy functioning of democratic government.

The more we all take an interest in public information and the proceedings of public bodies, the more responsibly and equitably they function.

Government bodies and elected officials make decisions that significantly affect each of us and determine how our tax dollars are spent.

Unfortunately, Michigan as a state has one of the least transparent governments in the country. In a 2015 study of each state’s Sunshine Laws, the Center For Public Integrity gave Michigan a grade of “F” for its openness, ranking it 50th out of 50 states.

Another Sunshine Week event

Can't make this event? We're also hosting a "FOIA Fest" as part of our Sunshine Week observance. Think of it as a party that does public good! We'll learn about the Freedom of Information Act — and participants will leave having written a FOIA request of their own to submit to a local government body. Learn more and register here.

Sunshine Week 2026: Film Screening

Join NowKalamazoo and The Local Journalism Foundation for a movie and a meal!