Michael Moore's home state of Michigan will host an unofficial North American premiere of his new film Sicko next month, the filmmaker has announced.

Though Moore's documentary — a scathing criticism of the U.S. health-care system — is officially scheduled to open on June 29, the film will screen June 16 in Bellaire, about 338 km northwest of Detroit.

Michael Moore, seen here in July 2005, is holding an unofficial North American premiere of his newest film Sicko at a Democratic fundraiser in June.
(John L. Russell/Associated Press)

"Everyone is invited," Moore said of the advance screening, which he attributed to his wife and executive producer, Kathleen Glynn.

The event will benefit the Antrim County Democratic Party, of which Glynn is vice-chair.

He added he agreed to the benefit because of the group's regular efforts in assisting the needy, and vowed to hold another screening for "any Republican group ready to provide assistance to those having a difficult time making it."

Moore previously held a private showing of the film in New York on May 15 for 9/11 emergency workers.

Warmly received at Cannes

Sicko screened out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival last weekend, and received enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation from the packed audience. The controversial filmmaker is a Cannes favourite, and won the festival's top prize, the Palme d'Or, in 2004 for his film Fahrenheit 9/11.

Sicko, which includes scenes of the opinionated filmmaker taking ailing Sept. 11 rescue workers to Cuba for free medical treatment, has also sparked an investigation by the U.S. Treasury Department.

Officials are investigating Moore for breaking the U.S. trade and travel embargo against Cuba.

Originally from Flint, Mich., Moore's credits also include the documentaries Roger and Me, and Oscar-winning Bowling for Columbine.

With files from the Associated Press