My first trip to Detroit had a very specific purpose; we were doing field research for one of the features in the first issue of The MASON. Elyse & I, along with two of our amazing contributors, Shannon and Brittany, joined a sold out audience at the Detroit Institute of Art to catch the premiere of the new documentary, After the Factory.
Brain child of Detroit Lives! founder, Philip Lauri, this film compares the post-industrial struggles of Detroit and former textile town, Lodz, Poland. It highlights the resilience of their creative peoples, and is a beautiful depiction of finding beauty in unexpected places and perseverance in the face of adversity that manages to modulate the highs and lows of life after the factory.
The screening was followed by a panel discussion on many of the themes depicted in the film and the panelists’ ideas about the future of Detroit.. Philip encouraged the audience to consider how they will be part of the solution to the problems faced by the post-industrial world. Philosopher and activist, Grace Lee Boggs spoke about the power of soul – our inherent ability to create the world anew. Margaret Garry of the German Marshall Fund is an expert in international comparisons and believes in the importance of post-industrial cities learning from one another as they work to redefine themselves and build hope. Pastor Haman Cross Jr. of Rosedale Baptist Church spoke of the ability for people to reclaim their neighbourhoods and institute their own policies when governments fail them WDET reporter Martina Guzman praised the strength of Detroit’s neighbourhood, but spoke of the long road ahead, saying “Progress doesn’t take place like the shot out of a pistol.”
The after party was held in the film theatre’s beautiful Crystal Glow Cafe. The building is a stunning example of the kind of decadent and exquisitely detailed architecture you find in the city.
Elyse & I were beyond thrilled to have the chance to meet Philip and talk to him about The MASON. He was so enthusiastic about the project and immediately agreed to help us in any way he could. We even chatted about the possibility of screening the film in Canadian cities, so keep your eyes open for those details as they unfold.
You can look forward to sneak peaks of the film and an interview with Philip on representing post-industrial cities and inspiring others to be part of the solution. In the meantime, check out the trailer for After the Factory:
