MUMBAI: Filmmaker Michael Moore started a summer film festival five years ago. Now he has teamed up with Emmy winner Jeff Garlin in organizing a mid-winter comedic festival.

The inaugural to be known as Traverse City Comedy Arts Festival will be held from 19 to 21 February that will feature star performers, along with talented up-and-comers. The lineup will be revealed next month.

Moore, a Flint native, now lives in Traverse City. He and Garlin say they want to boost a state where the economy was sinking long before the nationwide downturn.

In addition to stand-up performances by established artistes, there will be acts featuring improvisational groups and premieres of comedy movies -- plus a show for children.