The Detroit film scene is buzzing with fresh narratives, spearheaded by local filmmakers who are dedicated to capturing the city's unique stories. One such filmmaker, known as “Legend,” is realizing a long-held dream. At 40, this Detroit native has released two films in just over a year, with another already in the works.
Legend shares, “I had to put my film career on hold to be a single father. But when my son went to college in 2018, I knew it was time to get back to it.” His latest project, “Black Lies,” which he scripted 16 years ago, premiered on Tubi on February 25. The film follows a devoted father who, despite being separated from his child's mother, discovers a shocking truth when his child turns six.
Legend, along with filmmakers like Renika McQueen-Echo, Melissa Talbot, Darren Brown, Dennis Reed, Al Nuke, Randy Holloway, and Paige Alston, is part of a vibrant wave of independent filmmakers in Detroit. The city's indie film scene first gained traction in the early 2000s with films like “Project 313,” “5K1,” and “Envy,” though the high costs of filmmaking were a barrier for many.
“Back then, making a movie was prohibitively expensive. Now, you can produce a film for a fraction of what just the camera used to cost,” says TV and film producer Randy Holloway.
Detroit's early indie films were primarily urban crime dramas, influenced by mainstream hits like “Paid in Full,” “ATL,” and “Menace II Society.” These films, often labeled “hood movies,” focused on themes of violence, drugs, and sex, reflecting some harsh realities of inner-city life but often overlooking other facets of the Black experience.
“Indie films in Detroit are more stereotypical compared to Hollywood,” says actress Aria Moody, who starred in the 2021 Detroit film “Cain and Abel.” She notes that while mainstream media tends to depict big cities with crime bosses and drug dealers, indie films often follow the same narrative paths.
Holloway wanted to break this mold. “I saw the same stories being told over and over. I wanted to show something different,” he says. In 2015, he produced and directed “Bianca: Who Did This to You?” This film, based on a true story, explores the impact of childhood sexual abuse.
“The film had an immediate impact. At screenings, people spoke out about their own experiences with abuse, often for the first time. That showed me the power of our work,” Holloway reflects. His latest film, “Beautifully Unlayered,” co-written with Lisa Renée Miller, addresses mental health in the Black community.
With diverse storytelling drawing broader audiences, local actors and neighborhoods are feeling inspired. Legend chose to film “Asbury Park” (2021) in his old West-side neighborhood, witnessing firsthand the positive impact on the community. The film, which features veteran actors like Glenn Plummer and Felicia Pearson, focuses on four teenagers facing pivotal decisions about their futures.
“Filming in my old neighborhood was crucial. It was inspiring to bring known actors to the hood. Locals could see a movie being made right outside their windows, giving them hope,” says Legend.
Holloway stresses the importance of Detroit filmmakers collaborating with industry veterans to enhance their skills and gain recognition. He has benefited greatly from such interactions, whether it was receiving feedback from Will Smith or learning from TV executive David Hill.
As Detroit’s film culture evolves, there’s still room for growth. Actress Aria Moody emphasizes the need for more training opportunities and professional recognition for local actors.
“Authenticity is crucial in filmmaking. When outsiders tell our stories, they often miss the mark,” says Legend.
“We’ve created our own niche here in Detroit. We didn’t just take a seat at the table; we built our own,” Holloway concludes.
By Sal Framondi,
CEO/Founder, OPPRIME.tv
Producer, Black Filmmakers Matter
At Black Filmmakers Matter, we amplify the vibrant narratives of black filmmakers, celebrating diversity in storytelling. Partnered with OPPRIME.tv, a leader in video-on-demand distribution, our platform provides global visibility for independent filmmakers. Through this collaboration, we prioritize filmmakers' visibility, revenue growth, and cultural influence, fostering dialogue and understanding. Join us and OPPRIME.tv in supporting filmmakers on their journey to success and cultural impact.
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