Traverse City police will step up patrols in anticipation of veterans protesting Jane Fonda during the Traverse City Film Festival’s Open Space showing of the film 9 to 5 Wednesday evening.

Chief Jeff O’Brien says he was contacted by a veteran’s group that requested space to protest the film. The group, which is affiliated with the Manistee VFW post, plans to use the film as a way to protest Fonda’s presence in Traverse City during the festival. She was invited to the festival by Michael Moore to accept a lifetime achievement award.

Fonda is a divisive figure because of her 1970s protests of the Vietnam War.

O’Brien says the veterans who want to protest Fonda will be given space on the other side of Marina Drive from the Open Space. He says that if any other groups plan to attend to stage protests of their own – from whatever perspective – they should contact the police department so that they can be accommodated.

O'Brein says he wants the protests to be able to occur peacefully and without disruption to the people who just want to go down to the waterfront and enjoy watching a movie. He says he’s been in contact with Film Festival officials about the plans.