TIFF: Michael Moore makes comeback with 'Where to Invade Next'

TORONTO, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Director Michael Moore received a standing ovation for his latest documentary during the first night of the Toronto International Film Festival Thursday.

The first-ever screening of Where to Invade Next (there were no test screenings, Moore said) marked the return of the controversial filmmaker six years since releasing his last film, Capitalism: A Love Story.

"It was my call to the audience to do something, and a couple years later Occupy Wall Street happened," Moore said of his Capitalism, which went under heavy fire from conservative outlets. Moore decided to take a hiatus from film afterward because "I was tired of being the poster boy for Fox News," he told the crowd.

After more recent movements like Black Lives Matter emerged, Moore said he felt "it was important to re-enlist and be a part of what needs to happen."

As of Thursday, the director has not yet landed distribution for his newest film, but reportedly hopes to by the end of the the film festival. "There's a buyer right here in this audience ready and willing to say, 'I will buy this movie and make sure every American sees what's on that screen! Not just Americans either! I'll buy the world!'" Moore said at a post-screening presser.

Where to Invade Next is described at the festival as "Mike's Happy Movie" and follows Moore as he "invades" several countries in efforts to "steal" their ideas to help make the United States better. Italy's eight-week paid vacations, Slovenia's free college education system and France's gourmet school lunches are just some of the ideas Moore attempts to take back to America.

"We decided to trust the level of your intelligence and experience, whether you're American or Tunisian," Moore said of the film's surprisingly up-beat attitude. "You already know the truth."